In Alberta today (Dec. 16), 1,270 new cases of COVID-19 were found from more than 17,500 tests, for a positivity rate of 7.3%. 

There’s been 1,734 recoveries for 63,668 total. There are now 20,169 active cases in the province. 

Hospitalizations continue to increase, with 749 Albertans in the hospital with COVID-19, with 139 of these in intensive care. This is an increase of seven hospitalizations and two ICU admissions. In the North Zone, there are 34 people in the hospital with five in these in intensive care.  

Dr. Hinshaw says that Alberta Health Services (AHS) continues to work to increase acute care and ICU beds. Some of these are new beds, while others are a result of moving people to different care situations. The Canadian Red Cross and AHS are working on creating an Alternate Care Centre if needed at the Butterdome on the University of Alberta campus.  

AHS used the Butterdome as an assessment centre earlier this spring, and a temporary structure has also been in place for months at the Peter Lougheed Centre. The Centre would take a few weeks to set up and would add 100 beds. She says this is a precautionary measure only, for use only if needed. 

There have been 16 more deaths reported, for a total of 760 since the start of the pandemic. Dr. Hinshaw says that more Albertans have died in the last 10 months from COVID-19 than from influenza in last ten years. 

In Grande Prairie, 17 new cases were added, and 12 people recovered. The Swan City now has 120 active cases and 510 total recoveries. In the County of Grande Prairie, six new cases were found, and one person recovered. There are now 27 cases in the County, with 178 total recoveries. 

Peace Region totals: 

Dr. Hinshaw reminds Albertans again that no one of any age can take COVID-19 lightly. She urges everyone to not have holiday parties and gatherings in their homes and find ways to have fun and connect virtually. 

Watch the full update here: