Alberta has added 678 new cases of COVID-19 today (Jan. 21), from about 14,000 tests completed, for a positivity rate of about 4.8%. 

Right now, 10,256 cases are active in the province. With 971 more people recovering, the recovered total has reached 107,358. 

There’s 726 people in the hospital with the virus, with 119 of these in intensive care. This is 18 fewer hospitalizations than reported yesterday, and five fewer ICU admissions. In the North Zone, there’s 75 people in the hospital with eight of these admitted to intensive care. 

Alberta has reported 16 more COVID-related deaths, for a total of 1,500 since the start of the pandemic.  

There have now been 96,506 vaccines administered. Due to interruptions in vaccine supply, no new first dose appointments will be booked for the next few weeks. 

In the City of Grande Prairie, 11 new cases were added, and 18 people recovered. The active total is 178 with 871 recoveries. 

In the County of Grande Prairie, seven cases were added, and four people recovered. There’s now 53 active cases and 264 recoveries.  

Peace Region totals: 

Dr. Hinshaw says that we are on a positive trend with our hospitalizations, active cases and positivity rate continuing to decline. She says the restrictions put in place are helping.  

“The overwhelming majority of Albertans are doing their part, not only by following the restrictions, but by embracing the spirit of them. We are protecting one another by reducing in-person interactions, which in turn, is reducing the number of people who get sick, test positive and, ultimately, require hospital care.” 

Dr. Hinshaw says that we are not in the clear yet, and no more restrictions are being eased right now. We still have the second highest active case rate per capita in Canada, and hospitalizations remain high.  

The restrictions will remain in place for a little while longer to help drive community transmission down and ease the strain on our health system.  

Watch the full update here: