In today’s COVID-19 update, Alberta had 258 new cases from Friday to Sunday from close to 30,000 tests. 

Alberta now has 1,172 active cases and 11,600 recoveries, with 226 more people recovering over the weekend. Currently, 45 people are hospitalized with the virus, with nine of these in intensive care. There were two new deaths on Friday and two on Sunday, for a total of 234. 

One of these deaths was in Grande Prairie, the City’s second. There were also four new cases found and one recovery. In the City, 26 people currently have COVID-19, 43 have recovered and two have died. The County had five new cases and five new recoveries, for an active total of 15 with 28 recoveries. 

Other changes in the Peace Region: 

  • Clear Hills County: Four new; five active and 24 recoveries 
  • County of Northern Lights: Four new and two recovered; nine active and seven recoveries 
  • MD of Peace: One case removed; Five active and seven recoveries 
  • Mackenzie County: 18 new and five recovered; 52 active, 197 recoveries and eight deaths 
  • Northern Sunrise County: One new; two active and four recoveries 

Dr. Hinshaw reported on the It Is Time outbreak near Manning. There are now seven active Albertan cases and 10 recoveries.

In her update today, Dr. Hinshaw addressed the provincial upward trend in numbers. She says the reasons are not new. 

Many our cases can be linked to gatherings of many kinds: weddings, funerals, parties, community groups, prayer meetings, family gatherings, etc. She addressed family gatherings. 

Dr. Hinshaw says that even when they are organized by the most well-intentioned loved ones it can be difficult to keeps distance, follow all guidelines and be safe. It is possible to hold a safe gathering.  

Some advice she provided was to keep them small, host outside when possible, remind people to wash hands and keep a written list of attendees for two weeks. While this may seem strange, it will help with contact tracing. It won’t get people in trouble and could help save lives. Dr. Hinshaw reminds Albertans it is our civic responsibility to protect our elders, and this may mean moving to virtual visits as school starts.  

Dr. Hinshaw also addressed younger adults today. She says that it is easy for them to feel like they are invincible, and that COVID-19 is someone else’s issue, since they are less likely to develop severe cases.  

While a severe case is less likely, they are more likely to pass the virus on without knowing. Having different events over the week with different cohorts creates bigger exposures. She reminds younger Albertans to keep their distance, where masks and keep groups small at events. She says to keep events to once a week at most to limit exposure and if you are feeling even a bit sick – don't go out. Stay home and get tested.  

Watch the full update here: