The COVID-19 update for Tuesday, February 2 provided the following numbers:

  • There were 268 new cases reported with 7,900 tests performed for a positivity rate of 3.5%.
  • There are currently active alerts and outbreaks in 305 schools in the province or about 16% of schools. There is a combined total of 726 cases in schools.
  • There are 556 people in the hospital with 97 of those in ICU. 
  • There were another 13 deaths reported with victims ranging in age from 27-93 years old.
  • There have been 50 cases of the UK variant identified and seven cases of the South Africa variant. There 43 cases linked to returning travelers, six cases of close contacts to travelers, and eight have no links to travel.
  • Of the eight cases not linked to travel, four have been traced to an outbreak in a daycare.
  • Cochrane has seen a large drop of six active cases for a total of 10.
  • Rocky View County has dropped eight active cases for a total of 42.
  • As of February 1, Stoney Nakoda Nation is reporting one new case, ten recoveries, and 54 active cases. 

The greatest concern with virus variants is the increased contagiousness of it. Dr. Hinshaw says, "One of the themes we are seeing in Alberta, and one that has been reported in other places, is that it can be more difficult to effectively quarantine or isolate away from other household members with variant strains of COVID. In order to reduce the risk of transmission from household contacts, we are ensuring that any new cases or contacts linked to variants of concern are aware of hotel isolation and quarantine options. If cases choose to stay home during their isolation period, their household contacts will now need to stay at home as well in quarantine until 14 days have passed from the end of the case’s isolation period, or a total of 24 days. Given how easily this variant is spreading in homes, this enhancement is necessary to prevent spread in the community."