Edmonton Zone jumps to 67 COVID-19 patients in intensive care

The number of COVID-19 cases being treated in an Edmonton Zone intensive care units spiked to 67 Sunday, an increase of 10 in 24 hours, amounting to the largest single-day increase since the start of the pandemic.

The steep increase comes as Alberta's chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw reported 1,633 new cases of the virus on Sunday for a new record-high active case count of 25,197 across the province.

The positivity rate was 10.3 per cent, down slightly from 11 per cent on Saturday, with 2,042 new cases.

There are now 155 people in intensive care for the virus in Alberta, tying the record set last Sunday, as seven new cases were added in 24 hours. Two people have died from the virus within the last 24 hours amounting to 2,110 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Edmonton Zone ICUS have 67 COVID-19 patients, representing 43 per cent of the provincial total. This isn't a record, as the ICU occupancy surged to 90 in December during the second wave, but it is the highest since a downward trend started Jan. 4. ICUS reached a low of 10 in mid-march.

Alberta has the capacity to fully staff 425 ICU beds across the province, and currently there are 102 spaces in the Edmonton Zone.

With the rising number of active cases in the province, Hinshaw renewed her call to Albertans to get vaccinated when eligible. An additional 42,485 doses were administered within the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 1,889,039 doses. About 35 per cent of the population has received at least one dose. Just under seven per cent have been fully vaccinated.

On Monday, those born between 1992 and 2009 will become eligible to book a vaccine through Alberta Health Services or participating pharmacies.

“Booking a vaccination appointment is one of the most important steps you can take right now,” Hinshaw said Sunday. “If you're nervous because you don't like needles, there are steps you can take to reduce anxiety.”

New restrictions in high-case regions of the province also come into effect Monday morning. These restrictions, adding to those implemented last week, will apply to areas with at least 50 cases per 100,000 people and 30 active cases.

Restaurants will be required to close patios; personal and wellness services must close; and outdoor recreation activities will be prohibited except with members of one household or with two close contacts for those who live alone. These restrictions will remain in place for at least three weeks.

One inmate and two staff members at the Edmonton Institution have tested positive for COVID -19, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) announced Saturday.

In a news release, CSC said they are closely monitoring the situation and measures are in place to limit the spread of the virus at the men's maximum-security facility in northeast Edmonton.

CSC said all individuals entering the facility are screened. All staff and inmates are provided with medical masks and staff are also equipped with face shields.