COVID-19. (Dreamstime)

By Justin Goulet

2,433 new cases of COVID in Alberta Saturday, 1,743 variants

May 1, 2021 | 4:47 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Once again, there were over 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Alberta on Saturday.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has released its latest statistics compiled over the last 24 hours.

2,433 new infections were confirmed across the province, bringing Alberta’s total active case count to 22,504.

1,743 of those new cases were variants of concern. Variants currently make up 62.1 per cent of all active cases in the province.

646 people are in hospital, with 152 individuals in intensive care due to the virus.

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One new death was reported, bringing the provincial count to 2,083. The new death reported Saturday was in the Edmonton Health Zone.

On social media, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said, “my condolences go out to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.”

“This weekend, please follow all public health measures and book your vaccine appointment if you are now eligible.”

20,457 tests were conducted on Friday, April 30. This means 4,177,040 tests have been conducted in total across Alberta. The test positivity rate was 12 per cent.

2,042,876 people have been tested.

Below is a breakdown of cases per health zone:

• Calgary Zone – 76,831 cases, 9,423 active
  • 247 in hospital, 63 in ICU
  • 632 deaths
• Edmonton Zone – 68,798 cases, 6,065 active
  • 230 in hospital, 60 in ICU
  • 1,040 deaths (one new)
• North Zone – 20,587 cases, 3,233 active
  • 83 in hospital, 15 in ICU
  • 158 deaths
• Central Zone – 16,349 cases, 2,542 active
  • 51 in hospital, eight in ICU
  • 135 deaths
• South Zone – 10,507 cases, 1,165 active
  • 35 in hospital, six in ICU
  • 118 deaths

There are 95 cases (76 active) in zones that are ‘unknown’.

The South Health Zone saw a total of 130 new cases.

Below is a breakdown of cases in the South Zone. Alberta Health Services has told LNN that there were 38 new cases of COVID-19 in the city of Lethbridge. Note, however, that the math for each section of the city adds up to 36.

• Lethbridge – 4,244 cases (38 new), 429 active, 36 deaths
  • West Lethbridge – 1,525 cases (nine new), 151 active, three deaths
  • North Lethbridge – 1,427 cases (12 new), 147 active, nine deaths
  • South Lethbridge – 1,292 cases (15 new), 131 active, 24 deaths
• Brooks – 1,410 cases (two new), 40 active, 14 deaths
• Lethbridge County – 999 cases (16 new), 151 active, 11 deaths
• Cardston County – 900 cases (five new), 51 active, 16 deaths
• Medicine Hat – 921 cases (24 new), 205 active, 18 deaths
• M.D. of Taber – 498 cases (nine new), 40 active, five deaths
• M.D. of Pincher Creek – 275 cases (three new), 13 active, five deaths
• County of Warner – 325 cases (16 new), 92 active, three deaths
• Cypress County – 229 cases (three new), 42 active, zero deaths
• Fort Macleod – 232 cases (seven new), 54 active, five deaths
• County of Newell – 180 cases (one new), seven active, two deaths
• County of Forty Mile – 147 cases (three new), 12 active, three deaths
• Crowsnest Pass – 57 cases (three new), 22 active, zero deaths
• Waterton – one case, zero active, zero deaths

Earlier Saturday, Dr. Deena Hinshaw noted on social media that the province would be making a “small update” to how youth born in 2006-2009 (turning 12-15) with eligible underlying health conditions in Phase 2B could book their COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

She said that previously, AHS required a doctor’s letter for those 12-15 before booking an appointment.

Hinshaw said that, “Starting today [May 1], a letter is not required.”

“This change is made based on feedback from parents, family doctors, and paediatricians. Parents and guardians can make a decision to have their child get the vaccine if they’re eligible. If parents/guardians have questions, they can talk to their doctor, but they don’t need to get a letter before getting immunized.”

Further details on the province’s vaccine program are available here.

NATIONAL PHYSICIANS’ DAY

May 1 also marks National Physicians’ Day, recognizing the work of physicians in Alberta and across the country.

In a statement, Alberta’s Health Minister Tyler Shandro wrote that, “physicians have a critical role in keeping Albertans healthy and building a strong health-care system.”

“Particularly during this unprecedented public health emergency, physicians’ commitment to keeping Albertans safe and health is not taken for granted and is deeply appreciated.”