There are 89 active cases of COVID-19 in Strathmore and there have been 20 related deaths, while in Wheatland County there are 22 active cases of COVID-19. In the last 24 hours, there have been 1,660 new cases, the positivity rate is now at 9.4 per cent.

1,058 people are in hospital and 226 in the ICU. There were also 17 new deaths reported to AHS in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta revealed, “Albertans who have not been fully vaccinated are about 15 times more likely than those with vaccine protection to end up in the hospital from COVID-19, they are about 40 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU. About 77 per cent of Albertans in hospital with COVID are not fully vaccinated and 92 per cent of those in the ICU right now, have not had both shots.”

She stressed that people should get vaccinated. “Vaccines remain one of our most powerful tools in the fight against COVID-19.”

She said unvaccinated people are 40 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU for COVID-19 as compared to vaccinated people.

She also spoke of a reported gathering where people tried to acquire COVID-19.

Hinshaw said that people ended up in hospitals and in ICUs in Edmonton.

“But whether or not this specific report is verified, what is important to know is that anyone contemplating this kind of activity should know that this consequence, severe illness and transmitting to others who may become severely ill or even die, is an absolutely likely outcome,” said Hinshaw. 

She encouraged people to get two doses of the vaccine as soon as possible to obtain the greatest possible protection against COVID-19.