Chief Medical Officer for Alberta, Dr. Deena Hinshaw opened her COVID-19 update on Tuesday, June 8 by reminding Albertans to disclose COVID-19 symptoms when seeking medical care. Not disclosing symptoms could put the care teams at risk of spreading the virus.
3.1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Alberta. Now 67 per cent of those aged 12 or older have at least one dose, and 15 per cent of Albertans are fully vaccinated.
There are currently 139 new cases of COVID-19. Dr. Hinshaw said that these numbers are a sign that the immunization and restrictions are working. There are 336 people in the hospital with 85 in the ICU. She announced that there sadly been three more deaths of people aged 48-68 years.
There are currently 4,431 active cases in the province right now, which is the lowest it has been since March 9. There are 20,000 fewer active cases in Alberta than there were one month ago.
She said that the greatest news was that Alberta’s average positivity rate is declining in all zones.
Hinshaw also brought up the B1617.2 or Delta variant. She said this variant was identified in the province in April and there are currently 193 cases of this variant in Alberta. There are 16 cases of the variants currently in two units at the Foothills Hospital including four of the staff. Strict health care protocols have been enacted and are working as there have been no new cases transmitted on the unit.
Hinshaw explained that this variant is emerging around the world and evidence indicates that it does spread quicker. The first dose of vaccine has been found to be less effective against the virus but two doses of COVID-19 are virtually as effective against the variant as any other strain.
She encouraged all to get vaccinated, whether it is the first or second dose.
“We have come far and we are seeing real progress.”
There are currently 55 active COVID-19 cases in Grande Prairie and 45 in the County of Grande Prairie.
Screenshot from Alberta.ca
Thu, Apr 25, 5:00 PM
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