Prior to government officials addressing the province on Monday, September 15 evening, the COVID-19 numbers continue trend upward. 

In the past 24 hours, 1,609 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Alberta bringing the total active case count to 18,421.

The most prevalent number is the rising hospitalizations, as another 55 people are now in hospital being treated for the virus, bringing the total to 877.

ICU admissions increased by six for an all-time total high of 218 and of that number, 92.3 per cent are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.

Sadly, another 24 deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours bringing the total in the province to 2,495.

Vaccination rates continue to increase ever so slightly with 79.5 per cent of Albertans having received one shot of vaccine while 71.4 per cent are fully immunized.

Grande Prairie is reporting 488 active cases of COVID-19, while there are 185 cases in the County of Grande Prairie.