No new COVID-19 deaths, cases rise by 146 in Alberta
Posted Sep 17, 2020 03:42:33 PM.
Last Updated Sep 18, 2020 06:25:52 AM.
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – One hundred and forty-six new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Alberta Thursday.
There are 1,483 active cases in the province, with 470 in the Calgary Zone and 751 in the Edmonton Zone.
Since Wednesday afternoon, over 13,000 tests were completed.
NEW:
– 146 new COVID cases in AB on 13,003 tests ( 1.1% +)
– no new deaths (still 254)
– 41 in hospital (+3), 8 in ICU (+2)
– 1483 active cases (-12)#yeg #yyc #ableg #covid19ab pic.twitter.com/Fhn9ZeNrQs— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) September 17, 2020
No new COVID-19 related deaths were reported with the total number remaining at 254.
About 41 people are presently in the hospital, with eight in intensive care.
Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health also announced they are shifting to priority testing with flu season around the corner.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw said priority for asymptomatic tests will be give to health care workers, school teachers and staff and the province’s homeless community.
“Asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended for other Albertans who have no symptoms and no known exposure to COVID-19,” said Hinshaw. “Any Albertan who has no symptoms but has already booked a test will still get tested.”
Hinshaw added Albertans can expect a surge in cases closer to the winter months and as flu season approaches
Until this announcement, anyone in Alberta could book an asymptomatic test if they showed no symptoms.