Today’s COVID-19 update was a short one with Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

“Over the last 24 hours, we identified 456 new cases of COVID-19 in the province. Our labs completed about 8,200 tests and the positivity rate is at about 5.6 per cent. Our positivity rate is declining, but it is still far above the 1 to 3 per cent we saw for most of the summer and fall,” she said.

In Strathmore, there are still 90 active cases of COVID-19. In Wheatland County, there are 34 active cases, and in Chestermere there are 43 active cases.

“Our hospitalizations remain high, and the strain on our acute care system is still being felt. There are 740 people in hospital, including 119 who have been admitted to the ICU,” Hinshaw continued.

Sadly, 17 more people have passed away due to COVID-19. Hinshaw expressed her condolences to the families.