Red Deer now with 94 active cases of COVID-19

Province-wide, Alberta reported another 644 new cases of COVID-19 out of about 13,000 test results.

Alberta has 7,965 active cases as of Monday, 25,826 recovered and 192 hospitalizations, including 39 in intensive care.

The province reported an additional seven deaths from the virus for a total of 369.

Lacombe has also seen a sharp rise in active cases and now has 19. Sylvan Lake also continues to add more active cases and now sits with 11.

Red Deer County has seven active cases as of Monday. Rocky Mountain House (Clearwater County) remains with six. Lacombe County has three.

Ponoka County has 63 active cases.

There are 15 active cases in Mountain View County, two in Olds and 10 in Kneehill County.

The Central Zone has 330 active cases, including four hospitalizations.

As of Monday, a COVID-19 Watch is in now effect for each of Red Deer (88.7 active cases per 100,000), Sylvan Lake (65.4), Lacombe (101.9), Ponoka County (229.4), Mountain View County and Kneehill County (91.7).

When it comes to local schools, two new cases of COVID-19 were reported at Lindsay Thurber over the weekend and one at West Park Middle School. Lacombe Junior High and Clive School each reported one case.

As the number of Albertans in hospital nears 200, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said again on Monday that it is vital we protect the health system.

“These numbers are concerning and we are considering what further steps may be needed,” she noted. “We cannot simply dictate where and when this virus will spread. We all need to protect each other.”

Overall testing numbers remain unavailable due to outstanding technical issues. She said about 13,000 tests were conducted yesterday with a positivity rate of about five per cent.

“I, like many others, am extremely concerned by the spread we have seen. Although the last days have been a bit lower we expect some variation from day to day and we have not yet turned the corner that was must turn,” said the chief medical officer of health.

Hinshaw spoke directly to those who feel they are not at risk right now. She said she knows some people have let their guard down, often because they have not personally contracted the virus and don’t know anyone who has either.

“If you have not gotten sick and you don’t know anyone who has, then you must do everything possible to keep it that way. We all have a role to play in suppressing transmission.”

With Remembrance Day and Diwali coming up this week, Hinshaw said that the celebrations will be different this year.

Hinshaw said many Nov. 11 events have moved online and legions across the province will hold smaller ceremonies. She encouraged people to participate virtually if possible.

“For those organizing ceremonies or events this week please respect gathering limits both indoors and outdoors and remember, smaller is better right now,” she said.

On Diwali, Hinshaw said COVID-19 must be considered while planning or attending events. She said people should not celebrate at homes that aren’t their own and should not invite anyone who doesn’t live there into the home.

Anyone not feeling well should stay home and recognize the day privately.

(With file from Chris Brown – CHAT News Today)

by Troy Gillard

Red Deer now with 94 active cases of COVID-19

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