Chief Medical Officer shared good news with the province during the December 18th COVID-19 update. The province’s recent efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 is beginning to reflect in the data. 

“We are starting to see some early positive signs in our province. On Tuesday of this week there were 1, 280 new cases of COVID-19 identified that was the lowest daily total since November 26,” said Hinshaw. 

However, she warned Albertans not to get too excited too quickly.

“I want to be clear our fight is far from over. We expect ICU admission to continue to rise over the coming weeks aa these are lagging indicators. Meaning it takes several weeks before changes in our case counts are seen in the demands felt in our acute care system.”

Over the weekend, she asked Albertans not to crowd retail stores or malls as many families prepare for the holiday season. 

“As always I am asking Albertans to abide by not only the rules in place but to embrace the spirit of them. We need to reduce in-person interactions as much as possible. Anything you can do or not do that helps limit your exposure, please take that step,” said Hinshaw. 

December 18th new case numbers:

  • 1,413 new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours
  • 19,607 active cases in Alberta
  • 759 people are hospitalized 
  • 141 people have been admitted to ICUs 
  • 25 new deaths in the last 24 hours
  • 815 total deaths from the virus

Active case numbers in the Central Alberta area:

  • 46 active cases in Lacombe County
  • 26 active case in the City of Lacombe
  • 418 active cases in the City of Red Deer
  • 99 active cases in Red Deer County
  • 264 active cases in Ponoka County
  • 33 active cases in the Town of Sylvan Lake
  • 20 active cases in Stettler County
  • 33 active case in Mountain View County

*Not all cases in the Central Zone have been included.