Covid numbers starting to stabilize in Alberta

By Jake Cardinal

(ANNews) – After a turbulent third wave, the province of Alberta is starting to bounce back from some of the worst transmission rates and per capita infections in the world.

This past week, Alberta reported a record number of administered immunizations against COVID-19, with over 2,506,000 delivered as of May 22.

There were a reported 89,111 vaccinations administered on Friday May 21, which makes that the biggest jump recorded in a single day — the previous daily vaccination record was a little under 67,000.

There have been 341,610 second doses, which are necessary to receive full immunization, administered in the province.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw praised the record-breaking day by saying, “This is tremendous progress in our fight against COVID-19 and our efforts to protect as many Albertans as possible.”

“Thank you to everyone who has booked their shots so far. If you haven’t yet, please do so as soon as possible.”

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer also emphasized the need for Albertans to follow all current restrictions over Victoria Day long weekend. “We are heading into the first long weekend of spring and I know many people are excited to get out and enjoy it, especially after a cold and rainy week,” she said.

“However, our active case numbers and hospitalizations remain very high. We’re gaining momentum but it is fragile, and we cannot afford to take this weekend off from following the rules.”

“If we stay vigilant and do our part just one more time, this might be the last long weekend when such sacrifices are necessary,” she said.

As for current cases, there has been a steep decline across the province. COVID-19 cases in Alberta dropped by 46 percent with 16,577 active cases, which marks the lowest point since April 14.

As of Friday May 21, there are 638 people in the hospital for COVID-19, with 177 in intensive care.

In Canada’s First Nation population there has been a total of 452,043 doses administered in 687 First Nation, Inuit and territorial communities — with 137,598 being second doses.

Based on projections from Statistics Canada, over 62 per cent of adults in First Nations — and 69 per cent of adults living in territories — have received at least one dose.

Indigenous Service Canada has said that “First Nations in Alberta continue to report high numbers of vaccinations in their communities and more urban clinics are being planned.”

Since the pandemic began, there have been a total of 28,654 cases in First Nations communities. But there is also good news, as 96% of First Nations people living on a reserve who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.

On First Nations reserves, as of May 20 Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is aware of:

– 28,878 confirmed positive COVID-19

– 887 active cases

– 1,293 hospitalizations

– 27,656 recovered cases

– 335 deaths

Case numbers per region:

– British Columbia: 3,041

– Alberta: 8,305

– Saskatchewan: 6,949

– Manitoba: 7,766

– Ontario: 2,057

– Quebec: 740

– Atlantic: 20