Premier Kenney and Dr. Deena Hinshaw provided the COVID-19 update for Thursday, January 7. They informed Albertans that students in grades K-12 can return to in-class learning on Monday, January 11.

Dr. Hinshaw reports, "Our data indicates that the current school model in place is largely effective at limiting in-school transmission."

The good news was followed by a "however".  Premier Kenney reported, "The reality is that we are ahead of most other Canadian provinces on a per-capita basis for total active cases, new cases, and most sadly, COVID-19 fatalities." Due to the concerning numbers, the Premier announced that the current health restrictions will remain in effect for another two weeks, at least until January 21.

Today's (Thursday) numbers update re-inforced the decision to extend the health protocols. 

The province saw another 968 new cases with 14,833 tests performed for a positivity rate of 6.4%. There are 871 Albertans in the hospital with 139 in ICU. Sadly, another 24 deaths were reported bringing that total to 1,217. To date, 93,954 Albertans have recovered from the virus. 

Cochrane saw a drop of five cases for a total of 46 active cases. Rocky View County saw an increase of one case for a total of 79.

Premier Kenney was late to today's update due to a phone call with the Prime Minister and other Premiers regarding vaccines. He said that he will provide an update on that meeting tomorrow.