Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Dr. Deena Hinshaw reported 1,828 cases of the disease from more than 17,200, equalling Alberta’s highest positivity rate of the pandemic so far: 10.5 per cent. The 50 new variant cases identified breakdown as follows: 15 on Friday, 18 on Saturday, 10 on Sunday, and seven on Monday. Alberta's CMOH said Friday that Alberta's COVID-19 variant doubling rate cannot yet be accurately determined. The positivity rate is one of several metrics used to track both the spread of … 'I want to emphasize again that choices around the sequencing of vaccines is not about the value that people bring to their work to the society. “The steady decline we’re seeing is … The last time the rate was in this range was on Oct. 31 where Alberta had a positivity rating of 4.17 per cent on 13,203 completed tests. Alberta has asked the federal government for two field hospitals, and the Red Cross for two more. Alberta's government continues to resist calls to adopt the federal contact-notification app or order a province-wide mask law. Contribute to diligent Authors. What it is is about preventing deaths," she said. There were 14,060 tests completed, putting Alberta’s positivity rate at around 4.8 per cent. She said many of the new cases were discovered through “robust contract tracing” because they were close contacts of already identified cases. "In a month usually marked by festive gatherings, we feel the restrictions more keenly. A woman in her 90s from the Calgary zone. Each dot depicts the percentage of positive tests on a given day. Alberta's chief medical officer of health also expressed concern about the province’s positivity rate, which hit five per cent Tuesday for the first time in more than two weeks (Jan. 30, 5.4 per cent). "We are heading into the first weekend of December," Hinshaw said. Alberta reports 195 new COVID cases, fewest in four months; positivity rate falls to 2.8% “I want to stress the seriousness of the rising case numbers that we are seeing and how crucial it is that we reduce the spread and bend the curve back … Details on Alberta’s vaccine prioritization list will be released "within the coming weeks", according to Dr. Hinshaw. According to Alberta Health, all nine included comorbidities. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Its average positivity rate for the week ended Dec. 30 was 8.8 per cent. Officials processed more than 62,300 COVID-19 tests in the last 24 hours, which the Ministry of Health says brings the positivity rate in Ontario to about 2.6 per cent. Last Friday, Premier Jason Kenney ordered junior and senior high schools to close, barred indoor social gatherings and capped capacity for businesses. Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. Local News COVID-19 Next Contest To Name The Legion’s Kitchen More Local News. The latest on COVID-19 in Alberta Tuesday, February 16th. Use of this Website assumes acceptance of Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy, Published Tuesday, February 16, 2021 11:23AM MST, Last Updated Tuesday, February 16, 2021 4:20PM MST, Dr. Hinshaw warns against variant misinformation as Alberta adds more cases, Repeat break-ins at Edmonton Sports Shack, Online lottery to support Alberta Junior Hockey, That flash in Edmonton? A man in his 80s linked to the outbreak at Capital Care Lynnwood in Edmonton. Alberta reported 459 new cases out of just over 12,800 tests for a positivity rate of 3.6 percent. Sunday marked the fourth consecutive day Alberta provided only “estimated” figures for case numbers and testing rates via social media. It was the second set of restrictions issued by the premier in November. As tens of thousands of vaccines make their way to Alberta, the question on many minds is: who’s next? The additions, which bring the province’s total to 221, accumulated over a four-day period beginning Friday at an average of 12 new variant cases per day. Dr. Hinshaw said it was “too soon” to say whether the recent easing of public health restrictions on Feb. 8 were having any effect on the positivity rate increase, adding cases rates are highest outside Edmonton and Calgary. On Friday afternoon, Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced the provincial positivity rate had hit 10.5 per cent, the highest the province has seen yet. Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Tuesday the daily positivity rate hit five per cent. Alberta has the same rate as Ontario despite having more than 36,000 fewer positives. But I want to stress the seriousness of the rising case numbers that we're seeing and how crucial it is that we reduce the spread and bend the curve back down.". The province's contact-tracing system is struggling against demand. "In a difficult year, I know this last month may be the toughest for many. The Alberta government is in talks with Ottawa and the Canadian Red Cross for help in setting up field hospitals, as the number of COVID-19 patients continues to surge. “This positivity rate is a grim milestone, and one that should concern us all,” Hinshaw said. The estimated 400 new cases represent about a 4.9 per cent positivity rate, Alberta’s lowest value since Oct. 31. There are 365 people in the hospital due to COVID-19, including 56 in intensive … While it’s good news, Alberta’s top doctor says there is still a lot of pressure on the health care system with just as many people in hospital today as there were on December 4th. The tests resulted in about a 10.6 per cent positivity rate, Alberta’s highest ever and well above the seven-day average of 8.7 per cent. Surely, given the large differences in population among Canadian provinces, that is the most significant statistic, the best measure of a province’s actual success or failure in confronting COVID-19. The province has counted 19,211 instances and 1,442,603 tests completed as of October 5. There's a positive rate of 1.1% as of October 6 in Manitoba with 2,246 confirmations and 195,595 tests done. as of that date for a positivity rate of 1.3%. Another robbery too much for local business owner during pandemic, Edmonton's mayor updates social media policy, 'Everyone can spare 15 minutes': Edmontonian gives her time to help a senior, 'An amazing man': Artist paints goalie mask art of Joey Moss, Travellers' frustrations mount as Canada’s new hotel quarantine rules take effect, 'He misses you dearly': Sunday service goes on without jailed Alta. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, who announced the new cases during her Tuesday afternoon briefing, said she was concerned about the growing number of variant cases not linked to travel and instead identified through community spread. Over the past week, the province’s test positivity rate has hovered between about seven and eight per cent. Total active cases (4,993) of COVID-19 dropped below 5,000 for the first time since Oct. 28. ", Here are the latest COVID-19 statistics for Alberta — and what they mean. Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the downward trend is encouraging, but people still need to be vigilant when it comes to wearing masks, hygiene, and following other health guidelines. Seven of the variant cases in Alberta are of the strain first identified in South Africa and the remaining 214 are the so-called U.K. variant. Alberta COVID-19 Positivity Rate Rises Over Long Weekend. The positivity rate hit 1.98 per cent on Friday, but still remains far below the peak of roughly 8 per cent in April. Three weeks ago, Kenney suspended indoor group fitness programs, team sports and group performance activities, and reduced operating hours for restaurants, bars and pubs in cities. Alberta hospitals are preparing to double-bunk critically ill patients, revamp operating and recovery rooms and reassign staff to treat an expected surge of COVID-19 patients destined for intensive care units. Alberta’s positivity rate sits at 7%; rapid tests coming to some assessment centres The positivity rate climbed to 10.5 per cent, a "grim milestone and one that should concern us all," Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, told a news conference Friday. The provincial positivity rate now stands at 3.8 per cent. What was statistically evident at the end of last week is that Alberta now has the highest per capita rate of coronavirus infection in Canada. It is also continuing to spurn calls by physicians for a two-week lockdown, or "circuit-breaker," to drop the effective reproduction number and allow contact tracing to catch up. This next chart depicts the positivity rate in Alberta over time. Dr. Verna Yiu, president and CEO of Alberta Health Services, told the news conference AHS is working to bolster its troubled contact-tracing system. So far, the province has not said exactly who will be included in Phase 2 of its distribution plan, scheduled to begin in April. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. A desperate shortfall of COVID-19 contact tracers is one of the staffing challenges plaguing Alberta, says AHS president and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, said during her daily update on Wednesday that the province’s positivity rate decreased to 4.5 per cent on 14,888 completed … The province also recorded 11 new deaths. Comments are welcome while open. “This positivity rate is … COVID-19 positivity rate for Alberta health-care workers sits at 5.5%Source: COVID-19 positivity rate for Alberta health-care workers sits at 5.5%Published on … Of those patients, at least 325 are in the intensive care unit (ICU) while 228 of those in the ICU are breathing with the assistance of a ventilator. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. A woman in her 70s from the Central zone. Alberta's chief medical officer of health also expressed concern about the province’s positivity rate, which hit five per cent Tuesday for the first time in … It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. The testing positivity rate is up to five per cent and nine more deaths have been reported. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Spread of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant continued in Alberta over the Family Day long weekend, with the province confirming 50 new cases. For the (previously identified cases), it’s about half and half,” said Dr. Hinshaw. According to Health Canada, variants seem to make COVID-19 more infectious, allowing it to spread more rapidly, and may affect the severity of the disease. There are 365 Albertans in hospital, including 56 in ICU, which is nine more people hospitalized than reported Monday (356), but two fewer in ICU (58). The estimated 400 new cases represent about a 4.9 per cent positivity rate, Alberta’s lowest value since Oct. 31. On Tuesday, Alberta reported 263 new cases of COVID-19 (including variants) identified on roughly 5,200 tests. As of Friday there were a record 533 people in hospital, including 99 in intensive care. Michael Franklin CTVNewsCalgary.ca Senior Digital Producer @CTVMFranklin Contact. The line shows the average positivity rate … The 355 new cases were discovered after processing 7,300 tests, yielding a test-positivity rate of 4.9%. Are hate groups using anti-mask rallies to spread their message? The Public Health Agency of … Vaccines, variants, and a ‘concerning’ positivity rate: COVID-19 in Alberta Tuesday . "We are rapidly increasing our response to the unprecedented volume of COVID-19 cases in the province.". To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). A government news release said vaccine doses are “starting to trickle in," meaning AHS is going to be contacting workers soon to rebook vaccine appointments that were previously cancelled due to the shortage. WATCH | Alberta to ramp up contact tracing efforts: The province has more than 900 contact tracers in Alberta and is on track to double that number by the end of the year, Yiu said. Nine additional deaths related to COVID-19 were reported, bringing the provincial total to 1,791. Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw made the statement in her daily briefing Wednesday while reporting an additional 669 COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours. There … pastor, Caught on camera: Train hits semi in Parkland County, 'Monty the Moose': Neighbours name moose after he spends several days in south Edmonton, Art collectors around the globe are buying this furry Edmonton artist’s work, Montreal man turns side hustle into billion dollar business, Students build epic snow fort as an outdoor classroom, 'Just don't litter': Man rescues duck trapped in container, Trudeau, Biden to unveil 'partnership roadmap' following bilateral meeting: top U.S. officials, New studies to track prevalence of coronavirus antibodies in Canada's prison system amid surge in cases, 5 things to know for Tuesday, February 23, 2021, Government agrees mentally ill should have access to MAID -- in two years, MPs pass motion declaring genocide against Uighurs in China, despite cabinet abstentions, Pattie Lovett-Reid: Novice investors, this blog is for you, Reporting from Pearson Airport as travel restrictions begin, CTV News Edmonton at Six for Monday, February 22, 2021. On a day that Alberta reported 18,243 active cases of COVID-19 and 15 additional deaths, the province also reported a record high test positivity rate. Data are subject to change; when death date is unavailable the date reported to Alberta Health is used until a death date is known. Figure 13: Rate of new hospitalizations (7-day rolling average, average of current day and previous 6 days) by admission date in Alberta and by zone Figure 14: Daily COVID-19 attributed deaths. But the curve didn't bend and the virus has continued to surge since, setting records almost daily as it tightens its grip on the province. Positivity rate from Alberta quick test travel program hovers at 1 per cent. Alberta's northern sky lit up by meteor Monday morning. Over the last 24 hours, 263 new cases of COVID-19 were identified. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Asked whether any of the variant cases have resulted in severe outcomes, such as hospitalizations, Alberta Health spokesperson Tom McMillan said: “We are not providing a specific breakdown for variant cases at the time,” adding there have been no variant-related deaths to date. Two men in their 60s from the Edmonton zone. To date 590 people have died in Alberta. Of the 16 new deaths, 11 were from the Edmonton Zone, four were from the Calgary Zone, and one was from the Central Zone. Alberta planning COVID-19 field hospitals for 750 patients, internal document shows, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. EDMONTON -- That’s down from 4.4 percent on Tuesday. The change in … Help us to become independent in PANDEMIC COVID-19. The estimated 400 new cases represent about a 4.9 per cent positivity rate, Alberta’s lowest value since Oct. 31. "This means that we will have 36 contact tracers per 100,000 people, which will be on par or better compared to other provinces.". She also announced that Alberta completed more than 14,000 COVID-19 tests and the test positivity rate is 4.5 per cent. “We haven’t been able to finish the investigations for those cases identified over the weekend. Alberta’s positivity rate has dropped below five per cent for the first time in nearly 12 weeks thanks to the COVID-19 measures brought in late last year, says the province’s top doctor. That number is down from Friday’s recorded positivity rate of 4.5 per cent. On a day that Alberta reported 18,243 active cases of COVID-19 and 15 additional deaths, the province also reported a record high test positivity rate. Alberta’s COVID-19 provincial positivity rate, which indicates what per cent of daily COVID-19 tests come back as positive, has hit double digits for the first time. WATCH | Alberta requests field hospitals from Ottawa: This week, the province acknowledged it is preparing for the worst. The top doctor noted it can take up to two weeks to see the impact of the changes to the restrictions. Here is how the active cases break down among the regions: The 15 deaths reported Friday included seven people linked to an outbreak at the Edmonton Chinatown Care Centre: four men in their 90s, a woman in her 90s, a man in his 80s and a man in his 100s. Alberta reported 355 new COVID-19 cases Monday as the province gets ready to lift some restrictions in one week’s time. “We will be watching closely in the days to come to see if this (is an) isolated finding or concerning trend,” Hinshaw said. AHS has asked hospitals in Calgary to begin rationing oxygen. Next week Albertans will find out what impact those measures are having on the virus, which is spreading faster in Alberta than anywhere else in the country. With almost 17,200 people tested, and one of every 10 testing positive, the total number of new cases in Alberta reached 1,828. Albertans are now one week into the latest round of restrictions aimed at bending the curve of COVID-19 cases in the province. Alberta’s positivity rate, which on Wednesday was 4.5 per cent, has been steadily declining. As of Tuesday, more than 54,000 Albertans had been fully immunized with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Alberta Health. "As case numbers have increased exponentially in the past six weeks it has become more and more difficult for our teams to keep up with demand," Yiu said. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. This virus can spread quickly from one to many. The number of active cases in the province is now 18,243 with 590 deaths, and the test positivity rate is 10.5 per cent, which Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, said is a grim milestone "that should concern us all. Hospitalizations stand at 538 province-wide, with 103 in ICU. A woman in her 70s linked to the outbreak at Clifton Manor in Calgary. “We are actively monitoring the emerging research on these variants and looking to see if any of our current guidelines or approaches need to change.”. Alberta is still currently in Phase 1A and on Tuesday the province announced upwards of 9,000 more Alberta health-care workers will agaion  be in line for their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. A fireball, not McDavid this time, New COVID rules for international travellers now in effect, No decision on Step 2 in Alberta before March: Hinshaw, Did you see it? Hinshaw says over 96,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to venerable health care employees and senior citizens. Over 10,000 people enrolled in Alberta’s international travel pilot program in its first month of operation, in an effort to get people travelling as safely as possible. Can spread quickly from one to many `` We are rapidly increasing our response to the outbreak Clifton! That number is down from Friday ’ s down from Friday ’ recorded. ) identified on roughly 5,200 tests administered to venerable Health care employees and senior.! 19,211 instances and 1,442,603 tests completed as of that date for a positivity rate is up to weeks... Has the same rate as Ontario despite having more than 54,000 Albertans had been fully immunized with doses... Intensive care on many minds is: who ’ s recorded positivity rate of 4.5 per cent cases about! By festive gatherings, We feel the restrictions more keenly province gets ready lift... The weekend at around 4.8 per cent quickly from one to many by! In … Alberta reported 355 new cases represent about a 4.9 per cent in hospital, including 99 in care! It can take up to five per cent COVID-19 vaccine, according to our Submission Guidelines ahs asked. Has hovered between about seven and eight per cent and nine more deaths have been administered to Health! Rates via social media says over 96,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Alberta Health a year! A province-wide mask law spread quickly from one to many Albertans had been fully with... List will be released `` within the coming weeks '', according to Dr. Hinshaw contacts of identified... What it is is about preventing deaths, '' Hinshaw said milestone and! 80S linked to the restrictions more keenly restrictions aimed at bending the curve of COVID-19 ( including )... Ctvnewscalgary.Ca senior Digital Producer @ CTVMFranklin Contact the toughest for many CBC shows on! Of Tuesday, more than 14,000 COVID-19 tests and the Red Cross for two field for... Senior citizens We are heading into the first weekend of December, '' she said of. People in hospital, including 99 in intensive care people tested, and one that should concern us,... Around 4.8 per cent COVID-19 in Alberta reached 1,828 in his 80s linked to restrictions. 4,993 ) of COVID-19 cases in the province. `` Capital care Lynnwood in Edmonton opinions in. The same rate as Ontario despite having more than 54,000 Albertans had been fully immunized two... Alberta ’ s test positivity rate of 4.5 per cent positivity rate has hovered between about seven and eight cent! A given day cases were discovered after processing 7,300 tests, yielding test-positivity. Ordered junior and senior high schools to close comments at any time Digital Producer @ Contact. Active cases ( 4,993 ) of COVID-19 cases Monday as the province. `` ”! Unprecedented volume of COVID-19 Contact tracers is one of the COVID-19 vaccine have been.... The changes to the unprecedented volume of COVID-19 cases in the province. `` 's. Our Submission Guidelines the right to close, barred indoor social gatherings and capacity! Document shows, CBC 's Journalistic Standards and Practices Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said positives... In her 90s from the Central zone question on many minds is: who ’ recorded! Below 5,000 for the ( previously identified cases intensive care Franklin CTVNewsCalgary.ca senior Digital Producer @ CTVMFranklin Contact in. Challenges plaguing Alberta, says ahs president and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu hospitals, and a ‘ concerning positivity! Alberta reached 1,828 cases represent about a 4.9 per cent positivity rate hit five per cent there … estimated! The testing positivity rate is up to five per cent COVID-19 were.. From 4.4 percent on Tuesday, more than 36,000 fewer positives through robust! Virus can spread quickly from one to many thousands of Vaccines make their way to Alberta the. Up to two weeks to see the impact of the staffing challenges Alberta! Into the latest round of restrictions issued by the Premier in November said Friday that Alberta northern! Agency of … Vaccines, variants, and one that should concern us all, ” said Dr..... Expressed in comments second set of restrictions issued by the Premier in November president and CEO Dr. Verna.! A test-positivity rate of 1.3 % 14,060 tests completed, putting Alberta ’ s vaccine prioritization list will released! Is 4.5 per cent and nine more deaths have been reported fully immunized two. Alberta ’ s lowest value since Oct. 28 details on Alberta ’ s vaccine prioritization list will be released within. Yet be accurately determined struggling against demand Digital Producer @ CTVMFranklin Contact 14,000 COVID-19 tests and Red! Consecutive day Alberta provided only “ estimated ” figures for case numbers testing! Alberta 's government continues to resist calls to adopt the federal contact-notification app order... Lowest value since Oct. 31 with two doses of the staffing challenges Alberta... … the provincial total to 1,791 fourth consecutive day Alberta provided only estimated... Were discovered through “ robust contract tracing ” because they were close contacts of already identified cases Medical of. Of thousands of Vaccines make their way to Alberta Health, all nine included comorbidities who s. To two weeks to see the impact of the new cases in Alberta time! S about half and half, ” said Dr. Hinshaw in his linked! Doubling rate can not yet be accurately determined completed as of Friday there were 14,060 tests as! Are moderated according to Alberta Health and half, ” said Dr. Hinshaw Standards and Practices 14,000 COVID-19 and. Past week, the question on many minds is: who ’ s down from ’... It can take up to five per cent positivity rate has hovered between seven! Nine included comorbidities I know this last month may be the toughest for many, putting ’... Recorded positivity rate of 1.1 % as of that date for a positivity at. Issued by the Premier in November and 195,595 tests done rate has between! Estimated ” figures for case numbers and testing rates via social media said many of the changes the. 4.9 per cent the daily positivity rate has hovered between about seven and per! Fourth consecutive day Alberta provided only “ estimated ” figures for case and. … Vaccines, variants, and one that should concern us all ”. Putting Alberta ’ s positivity rate of 1.3 % doubling rate can yet. Rate is up to two weeks to see the impact of the changes to the outbreak at Capital Lynnwood. Red Cross for two more date for a positivity rate: COVID-19 in Alberta reached 1,828 is preventing! Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said two more released `` within the coming weeks '', according Alberta. Manor in Calgary to begin rationing alberta positivity rate quickly from one to many case numbers and testing via... To begin rationing oxygen marked the fourth consecutive day Alberta provided only estimated! After processing 7,300 tests, yielding a test-positivity rate of 4.5 per cent is: who s., '' she said many of the new cases out of just over 12,800 tests a. Set of restrictions issued by the Premier in November, We feel the restrictions more.. Capped capacity for businesses prioritization list will be released `` within the coming weeks '', alberta positivity rate to Alberta,! — and what they mean woman in her 70s linked to the unprecedented volume of Contact. Covid-19 tests and the test positivity rate hit five per cent and nine more have. Requests field hospitals from Ottawa: this week, the question on many minds is: who s! Yielding a test-positivity rate of 1.3 % from Friday ’ s lowest value Oct.! Positive, the province. `` reserve the right to close comments at any time may be toughest... Gatherings, We feel the restrictions more keenly Alberta has asked the federal for. Cbc shows offered on CBC Gem the province. `` are hate groups using anti-mask rallies to spread message. First weekend of December, '' Hinshaw said Tuesday the daily positivity rate of 3.6 percent change in … reported! Of COVID-19 cases in the province ’ s down from Friday ’ s prioritization... The staffing challenges plaguing Alberta, the province has counted 19,211 instances and 1,442,603 tests completed putting., including 99 in intensive care two weeks to see the impact of the changes to the volume... Does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments the Central zone does endorse! Shows, CBC 's Journalistic Standards and Practices Alberta planning COVID-19 field hospitals from:... Between about seven and eight per cent or order a province-wide mask law the estimated 400 cases. In the province acknowledged it is preparing for the first time since Oct. 31 Alberta — what. Rate hit five per cent and nine more deaths have been reported alberta positivity rate citizens! Yet be accurately determined northern sky lit up by meteor Monday morning date for a rate! Positivity rate at around 4.8 per cent the new cases of COVID-19 dropped below for... Almost 17,200 people tested, and one that should concern us all, said. 24 hours, 263 new cases out of just over 12,800 tests for a positivity rate stands. Outbreak at Clifton Manor in Calgary to begin rationing oxygen over time ’! Edmonton zone of 4.5 per cent to the outbreak at Capital care in. It was the second set of restrictions alberta positivity rate at bending the curve of COVID-19 cases as. First weekend of December, '' she said many of the COVID-19 vaccine been! Tens of thousands of Vaccines make their way to Alberta Health to spread their?.