Today, January 21 was set as the tentative date for the easing of current health restrictions in Alberta. Dr. Hinshaw made the announcement today that while we are making progress in driving the COVID-19 numbers down, there will be no new measures announced today. 

"We are not in the clear just yet, that is why no additional measures are being eased at this time. There are no changes being announced today.  Our cases are falling but we still have the second-highest active cases per capita in Canada."

The COVID-19 numbers for Thursday, January 21 are as follows:

  • There were 678 new cases in the past 24 hours after 14,000 tests were performed for a positivity rate of 4.8%.
  • There are 726 people in the hospital with 119 in ICU.
  • Another 16 deaths were reported.
  • Currently, there are 178 alerts in schools and four outbreaks. There are a total of 282 cases in provincial schools. 
  • Cochrane has dropped seven active cases for a total of 31. There are 2 deaths reported. 
  • Rocky View County has dropped three active cases for a total of 68. There have been four deaths reported in the area. 

Dr. Hinshaw reiterates, we are on the right track but we must keep doing what we are doing for a while longer.

"Our numbers indicate that the restrictions we put in place last month, while extremely challenging, are helping to prevent more people from being exposed and getting sick with this virus. The overwhelming majority of Albertans are doing their part, not only by following the restrictions but by embracing the spirit of them. We are protecting one another by reducing in-person interactions, which in turn, is reducing the number of people who get sick, test positive and, ultimately, require hospital care. And with more than 96,500 doses of vaccine administered, thousands of the most vulnerable seniors and health care workers now have an extra layer of protection."