Dr. Deena Hinshaw provided a live COVID-19 update for Wednesday, January 5.

The province reported 4,752 new cases in a 24 hour period.  Alberta is reporting a positivity rate of 36.9 per cent. Hospitalizations rose slightly by four to 470 and ICU admissions increased by 11 to 72.

Another 11 deaths were reported bringing the total in the province to 3,333. 

Strathmore's active case count rose to 146, Wheatland County's case count is at 53 while Rocky View County is reporting 406 cases. 

Up to date case counts can be found on the AHS website here. 

The update followed on the heels of the announcement of students returning to in-class learning on Monday, January 10.

While Dr. Hinshaw is supportive of the decision she says, "Given the current situation, I also want to note that I strongly recommend that students in all grades wear masks including K-3. To keep the risk in schools low it will be critical for all of us to stay home and keep our children home if any of us have symptoms."