In Alberta, 1,529 new cases of COVID-19 were reported today (Nov. 23), from 19,474 tests.  

There are now 13,166 active cases in the province. with 573 new recoveries, 34,779 Albertans have now recovered from the virus.  

Five more Albertans have died, for a total of 476 since the start of the pandemic. Currently, 328 people are in the hospital with COVID-19, with 62 in intensive care. This is nine more hospitalizations and two more ICU admission than yesterday. 

There are 17 hospitalizations in the North Zone, two less than yesterday, with two people in intensive care. There are now 44 deaths in the North Zone, with one new death reported in the MD of Fairview.  

In Grande Prairie, two cases were added, and six people recovered. There are now 82 active cases, with 356 recoveries. The County also added two cases and had two people recover, for 42 active cases and 120 recoveries.  

MD of Greenview reported 10 new cases today and had three people recover. MD of Peace saw eight new. One new case was found in Big Lakes County, Mackenzie County, the MD of Smoky River and County of Northern Lights, as well as a recovery in the latter. MD of Lesser Slave River had five new cases added. 

Peace Region totals:

Dr. Hinshaw said in her update today that it is clear we have a reached a precarious position – with the virus spreading faster and more widely than at any other time during the pandemic. There’s been impacts on our health care system as well, affect not only those with COVID, but those seeking other care. 

The doctor is meeting with the Priorities Implementation Committee of Cabinet to discuss a series of measures to reduce the rising spread of COVID-19. Dr. Hinshaw did not say what her recommendations to the Committee will be or what the options are, but that a detailed update will be provided tomorrow (Nov. 24) of the decision made by the committee. 

She is also going to be providing updates every day this week to answer questions and give the latest information. 

"I need your help, and we all need to work together. The spread of the virus, the impact on our health system, and the challenges it poses to our health are serious. 

“We all need to reduce our social and cohort interactions as much as possible. If you can adapt your life to reduce the amount of time that you spend interacting with others, please do so now. This is a challenging moment, but our province is strong and there is hope.” 

Dr. Hinshaw mentioned there is a light at the end of the tunnel, with the possibility of vaccines and treatments available in the new year.  

She also says we cannot let up now and need to continue to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19.  

Watch the full update here: