Image from AB Government live stream -- LNN

By Connor Gunn

Alberta “Myth Busting” COVID facts, announce drive-in events are allowed

May 17, 2021 | 3:00 PM

EDMONTON, AB– In a video live stream from the Alberta Government, officials were “Myth Busting” COVID-19 information they’ve been seeing online and announced that drive-in events are now allowed.

Premier Jason Kenney, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, and AHS President and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu outlined COVID-19 facts that “many” Albertans have been getting incorrect.

As of Monday afternoon, 186 people are in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Alberta hospitals with COVID-19, marking the highest point at any time throughout the pandemic.

Kenney says many people believe that those with COVID in hospitals and the ICU are “only in big cities.”

He highlighted that “couldn’t be more wrong.” AHS says hospitalization rates due to COVID since February 2021 are 26% higher in rural areas in the province compared to cities.

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There is a 30% higher rate of ICU admissions in rural areas compared to cities in Alberta.

Dr. Yiu also added that with over 240 people being admitted to ICU’s,186 from COVID, that’s the “most ICU patients that we’ve ever seen in our healthcare system.”

Some good news that came out of Monday’s press conference is that drive-in events like movies, concerts, and others that were open in the previous summer during a pandemic, are now allowed to open.

READ MORE: Drive-ins across Alberta given the green light to press play, local operators pleased

Also, 48.9% of Albertans over the age of 12 have been given at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine marking over 2.2 million doses given.

Kenney briefly spoke about the reopening strategy for the province, comparing the strategy to how many Albertans are vaccinated but said it was “too early to tell” when health restrictions may be lifted.

As for COVID-19 numbers Monday, the numbers will be updated near 3:30 pm.

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