COVID-19 Weekly Regional Update

COVID-19 Weekly Regional Update

Michelle Pinon
News Advertiser

The number of active cases of COVID-19 in the province reached a new high of 7,965.  On November 8, a total of 644 new cases were identified. The total number of recovered cases are 25,826.

There were 192 people in hospital with 39 people in intensive care and 369 deaths. Due to technical issues, laboratory testing data was unavailable.

Throughout the region, the numbers according to local geographic location were: 17 cases, 7 active cases, 10 recovered cases, and 0 deaths in Veg/Minburn County. There were: 22 cases, 3 active cases, 18 recovered cases, and 1 death in Two Hills County. There were: 20 cases, 5 active cases, 15 recovered cases, and 0 deaths in Lamont County. There were: 25 cases, 1 active case, 24 recovered cases, and 0 deaths in Beaver County West. There were: 74 cases, 0 active cases, 74 recovered cases, and 0 deaths in Beaver County East.

Currently, about 12 percent of schools are on outbreak or alert, with 911 confirmed cases in these schools. Of those, 130 schools are on alert, with 158 total cases. Outbreaks are declared in 151 schools, including 57 that are on watch. There are 753 total cases linked to these schools. In-school transmission has likely occurred in 123 schools. Of these, 68 have had only one new case. A total of 214 schools have been removed from the alert list.

There are 395 active cases and 1,740 recovered cases at continuing care facilities; 236 facility residents have died.

The expanded COVID-19 mandatory and voluntary measures have been expanded. All Edmonton and Calgary residents should stop holding social gatherings within their homes. Instead, socialize in structured settings where it is easier to limit the risk of exposure.

All communities on the watch list have a mandatory 15-person limit on social gatherings. Also for all communities on the watch list, voluntary measures are strongly recommended to limit cohorts to three and to wear masks in the workplace unless able to safely distance.

As an additional measure, Alberta Health Services will be prioritizing the hiring of about 380 additional contact tracing staff that will expand the contact tracing team to more than 1,100 people.

Communities on the watch list have at least 10 active cases and more than 50 active cases per 100,000. the province is monitoring the risk and discussing with local government(s) and other community leaders the possible need for additional health measures. None of the four counties in the region are currently on the watch list.