There were 764 news cases identified in the COVID-19 update for Thursday, March 25. Over 14,000 tests were performed for a positivity rate of 5.4%.

There are 294 people in the hospital with 55 in ICU.

Sadly, another three deaths were reported to bring the total in the province to 1,976.

Dr. Hinshaw put it succinctly, "After a year of this pandemic, all of these numbers I have just shared can seem like dry facts. I want to remind all of us that each of these numbers is a person.

These are people that have died, these are people who are in hospital or ICU, and people who have tested positive and are navigating the illness as best they can."

There are currently active alerts or outbreaks in 365 schools which accounts for 15% of all schools. 

Cochrane reported one new case for a total of 28 while Rocky View County added four new cases for a total of 73. Stoney Nakoda is reporting no new cases and is holding at 13 active cases. 

Over 532,00 doses of vaccine have been administered in the province. 

Dr. Hinshaw encourages all Albertans who are eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 2A to do so as there are vaccines and appointments available.

Those eligible in Phase 2A include those born in 1956 or earlier. Also, if you are a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit individuals born in 1971 or earlier, you can also book your appointment.