COVID-19 file photo (Dreamstime)

By Justin Goulet

Officials investigating “significant outbreak” involving COVID-19 variant of concern in Alberta, linked to returning traveller

Apr 3, 2021 | 4:06 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – 550 new variant cases of COVID-19 were reported in Alberta Saturday.

The province is only providing preliminary data over the long weekend.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw noted an estimated 1,100 new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours during the April 3 update.

That includes 550 new cases of variants of concern. Variants account for 35 per cent of active infections in the province.

12,100 tests were completed on Friday, April 2, with a nine per cent positivity rate. The province reported that hospitalizations continue to remain stable in the last 24 hours.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 12-17, 2024

Nov 12, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 4-10, 2024

Nov 04, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 28-November 3, 2024

Oct 28, 2024

On April 2, 10,000 vaccine doses were administered and to date, 685,000 doses have been administered in Alberta.

Another preliminary update will be provided on Sunday, April 4. The usual update will resume Monday.

“In the meantime, continue to respect health measures in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect each other,” Dr. Hinshaw wrote on Twitter.

Dr. Hinshaw also noted earlier Saturday that AHS is currently investigating a “significant COVID-19 outbreak” in the province involving P.1 variants of concern (the variant that originated in Brazil). Dr. Hinshaw said the outbreak is linked to a returning traveller.

“Health officials are working hard to limit future spread and reaching out directly to those at risk of exposure,” she said on Twitter.

“AHS will ensure that anyone at risk is isolated, offered testing twice and connected with supports if needed. The public health investigation is underway and we will update Albertans on Monday.”