Premier Jason Kenney. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta in a "significant new wave"

Kenney pleads for COVID-safe activities over Easter long weekend

Apr 1, 2021 | 4:05 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – “Going into the Easter long weekend, I had hoped to be able to tell you that we had turned a corner in our fight against COVID-19, that the spread of the disease had slowed, and that we could all gather around the table with extended family and friends to celebrate Easter, Passover, Vaisakhi, or just to enjoy the spring break. Unfortunately, we’re not in that situation today.”

Premier Jason Kenney is putting out yet another call to Albertans to follow COVID-19 guidelines this weekend to help reduce transmission of the virus.

There were, however, no new restrictions announced today.

He says the province is in the midst of a “significant new wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Thursday’s update, 875 new cases were confirmed across the province, 322 of which were variants. This is the second day in a row that new infections surpassed 800.

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Hospitalizations crept up over 300 in yesterday’s report and fell to 292 today.

“With [8,653] active cases and a ratio of those cases at six per cent end up in hospital, we know with great certainty that we will have close to 500 COVID patients in hospital just two weeks from now. If growth continues at its current pace, that will turn into about 1,000 people in hospital about a month from now and so on.”

A group of 40 physicians across Southern Alberta penned a public letter this week with similar concerns as cases and hospitalizations have been rising in places like Lethbridge.

READ MORE: Lethbridge ICU near capacity with COVID patients, doctors urge action

Kenney says stat holidays like Easter have proven to be breeding grounds for COVID-19 as more people gather closely together despite the public health measures in place.

“Our last wave began, clearly, right after Thanksgiving when Albertans gathered indoors and around the table to celebrate with food, drinks, and conversations. Our contact tracing data confirms clearly that these kinds of activities – at home indoor socializing – are by far the most responsible for spreading COVID-19.”

With highs ranging from 15-17 degrees over the long weekend, many Albertans will likely seek outdoor fun over Easter.

Indoor social gatherings are currently prohibited in the province but those who live alone can have two close contacts with them.

Outdoor social gatherings with up to 10 people are permitted.

A full list of COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta can be found here.