Over the weekend, Alberta saw a significant number of COVID-19 cases reported. There were 97 on Friday, 263 on Saturday and 218 on Sunday, for a total of 578, from almost 46,000 tests. 

There were also eight new deaths reported, for a total of 280. Right now, 62 people are in the hospital with 14 of these in intensive care. Dr. Hinshaw says that the increase in hospitalizations lately is largely due to the Foothills Medical Centre outbreak in Calgary. 

Alberta now has 1,783 active cases, and 345 more recoveries from the weekend bring the recovered total to 16,872. 

Dr. Hinshaw says that she is concerned with the large increase of cases in Edmonton from the weekend. There are now 894 active cases in the City. She says that they are looking at weather additional measures need to be taken in Edmonton to prevent further spread.  

Locally, eight new cases were found in the City of Grande Prairie, which now has 15 active cases. In the County, two new cases were found, and four people recovered.  

Mackenzie County had two new cases, and a recovery returned to active. The MD of Lesser Slave River had one new case. The MDs of Smoky River and Peace each had a case removed. Northern Sunrise County had its last two cases recover. Saddle Hills County has one new case, the second in the area, and only one active. 

Region totals: 

In addition to the high Edmonton numbers, Dr. Hinshaw also spoke of another trend in her update today she finds very alarming. In Alberta Health’s review of active cases, they found that about 11% of confirmed cases are still going to work or attending gatherings while waiting for test results. 

Dr. Hinshaw says it is fundamental that people stay home while waiting for test results. We can’t prevent a second wave of the virus if we do not take this measure. Dr. Hinshaw asked employers again today to do everything they can to support employees who need to stay home. 

The doctor warned that more measures may need to be put in place if we cannot work together to stop the spread. 

Watch the full update here: