On Dec. 11, Alberta report 1,738 new cases of COVID-19, from almost 21,000 tests, for a positivity rate of about 8.3%. 

There were also 1,722 recoveries, for a total of 55,947. There are now 20,161 active in the province. Of these, 684 people are in the hospital with 123 of these in intensive care. In the North, the number is 32, with five of these admitted to the ICU.  

Alberta reported 18 more COVID-related deaths, for a total of 684 since the start of the pandemic.  

In Grande Prairie, four more cases of COVID-19 were added, along with five recoveries. This leaves 111 active cases and 468 recoveries. The County of Grande Prairie reported three new cases and one recovery. There are now 21 active cases and 170 recoveries.  

Peace Region totals: 

In her update today, Dr. Hinshaw announced changes to Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) visitation guidelines.  

Starting Monday, designated support people will be limited to one person in acute care settings. This includes emergency departments, ambulatory care, maternity and post-partum, urgent care, and other in-patient areas. 

Up to two designated support people will be allowed in neonatal intensive care units, critical care and pediatrics. 

Dr. Hinshaw says that in many facilities, this will mean little change from current restrictions. She also says there are some exceptions and exemptions, so patients and families should contact the care team directly before visiting or visit ahs.ca/visitation.  

Watch the full update here: