Alberta reports over 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 for seventh day in a row

Alberta reported 1,081 additional cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the province’s active case count to 15,087.

This marks the seventh consecutive day that over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded.

Monday had 1,136 cases, Sunday saw 1,183, Saturday had 1,293, and Friday saw the most new infections in one day since December with 1,521. Thursday had 1,429 cases, and Wednesday had 1,351.

Of the new COVID-19 cases, 705 variants of concern were identified in Alberta. There are now 7,910 active variant cases in the province, representing over 52% of all active infections.

There are currently 402 people in hospital due to the virus, 88 of whom are in the ICU.

Three new deaths relating to COVID-19 were reported in the past 24 hours, which increases the province’s death toll to 2,021.

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During a Tuesday afternoon COVID-19 update, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province’s chief medical officer of health, commented on the unique influenza season that Alberta experienced this year.

More than 1.6 million doses of the influenza vaccine were administered, and there were zero reported cases of seasonal influenza in the province.

Dr. Hinshaw noted that this was not due to a lack of testing – over 122,000 respiratory swab tests for influenza were completed during this flu season, compared to fewer than 47,000 tests performed in the previous year.

Alberta’s top doctor went on to say that this is an example of how public health restrictions are working, and she urged Albertans to continue following them.

“This is a reminder of the power of our collective actions,” Dr. Hinshaw said. “Through effective immunization, and practicing good hygiene, physical distancing, and staying home when sick, we have prevented the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.”

“This success reminds us that we can beat COVID-19 as well, if we work together.”

Dr. Hinshaw will provide another live update about COVID-19 later this week.