Dr. Deena Hinshaw provided an in-person update for Tuesday, June 8.  It was an encouraging update as COVID-19 numbers continue to trend downward. 

Dr. Hinshaw did address the COVID Delta variant outbreak at the Foothills Hospital. “Right now, AHS has identified 16 cases of this particular variant in patients on two units at Foothills Medical Centre. Four healthcare workers have also tested positive. These are two separate outbreaks and most cases are experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms. It appears that all but one case are hospital-acquired, so cases were in the hospital for other reasons before their infections. As with all other outbreaks in acute care settings, AHS has implemented strict outbreak protocols to protect the health of everyone involved. The good news is that these protocols are working – there have been no new cases on one of these two units since May 20th.”

As for the COVID-19 numbers:

  • There were 139 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the past 24 hours with a positivity rate of 4.2 per cent.
  • There are 336 people in the hospital with 85 in ICU.
  • Sadly, three additional deaths have been reported bringing the total in the province to 2,251.
  • There are active alerts or outbreaks in 241 schools in the province accounting for 10 per cent of schools. 
  • To date, 3.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the province accounting for 67 per cent of Albertans 12 years and older having received at least one dose while 15 per cent of the province are now fully immunized with two doses. 
  • There are currently 4,431 active cases in the province, the lowest since March 9 and there are 20,000 fewer active cases than one month ago. 
  • Rocky View County is reporting 39 active cases while Cochrane has dropped to 15 active cases.

Alberta's top doctor says that Alberta's average positivity rate is declining in all zones and that indicates progress being made province-wide. She says it also indicates that the immunization rollout along with public health restrictions are working together in limiting the transmission of the virus. 

Dr. Hinshaw says that Alberta has the most aggressive variant testing strategies in the country and that they will keep a very close eye on all variants of concern.

In the meantime, Albertans can help by getting vaccinated and practicing health protocols.

The more who are vaccinated the safer it is for all in the province.