Alberta reported 173 new cases of COVID-19 today, and 157 new recoveries. There are 1,596 active cases and 16,370 recoveries. 

Right now, 64 people are hospitalized, with 12 in intensive care, one less than yesterday. There were two new deaths, for a total of 269. 

There wasn’t a significant changed in COVID-19 numbers in the Peace Region today, with only one new case identified, in the County of Grande Prairie. The County also had one person recover, leaving the active total at seven and bringing recoveries to 54. There was no change in the City of Grande Prairie, which has six active cases.  

Mackenzie County had six recoveries reported today, with 11 active remaining and 389 recoveries. Northern Sunrise County had one person recover for a total of seven, leaving two active.  

Dr. Hinshaw announced today in her update that parents and guardians will now be able to see their children’s COVID-19 test results through My Health Records as soon as they are available, any time, day or night. Results can also be printed if they need to be shown to anyone.  

As of today, 28 schools came off of alert status with no transmission, and staff and students affected are back in classes.  

Currently, there are active alerts or outbreaks in 133 schools, which is about 5% of Alberta’s schools. These have a total of 257 active cases. Of these, 52 have outbreaks, with seven on the watchlist, meaning they have 5 or more cases.  

Dr. Hinshaw reminds residents that an outbreak at a school only needs to have two cases present, and it doesn’t mean the school is unsafe. Of the outbreaks, 11 have probable transmission in the school. In the first month of school, more than 101,000 tests have been completed for school-aged children, with a less than 1% positivity rate.  

For now, symptoms like runny nose won’t be taken off the screening check for students, as this is the common cold season, and colds and mild COVID-19 cases can’t be distinguished without testing. Dr. Hinshaw also says our new cases numbers have not gone down after two weeks of prioritized testing.  

Dr. Hinshaw also reminds residents to get their flu shot, which is available for all residents starting Oct. 19. Alberta Health Services will be reaching out to vulnerable populations to receive their shots before that time. Alberta has ordered 1.96 million shots this year, a record, and more than 20% more than last year. 

Dr. Hinshaw says getting immunized will help people protect themselves and others – seniors, children and those with pre-existing conditions, and help our health care system.  

The shot can be received participating pharmacy or doctor's clinic. Immunizations at public health clinics will only be offered by appointment and prioritized for certain groups. 

Watch the full update here: