COCHRANE— The number of active COVID-19 cases in Cochrane continues to decline.
The Town of Cochrane had a reported 118 active cases of COVID-19 as of the end of the day Wednesday (May 19). To date, 1,003 cases have been reported in Cochrane— Two people have died and 883 people have recovered.
In the last 24 hours, the province has identified 812 new cases of the virus after the completion of more than 9,000 tests.
The provincial testing positivity rate sits at 9.3 per cent.
There are a reported 665 COVID-related hospitalizations in Alberta, including 177 patients in intensive care.
Four new COVID-related deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. To date, 2,162 Albertans have died.
The province has distributed more than 2.3 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 50 per cent of Albertans 12 years of age and older have received at least one dose. A total of 7.5 per cent of Albertans have been fully vaccinated.
Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw reported that as vaccine coverage increases in the province easements of public health restrictions are expected. The province is working on details regarding changes to health measures and more information are expected soon.
She added quarantine periods have changed to reflect vaccine coverage in the province. She explained data shows vaccines reduce the amount of virus a body carries, even if someone is infected, reducing the risk of transmission.
For those who are fully vaccinated with two doses and close contact with a COVID-19 exposure, quarantine is no longer required if they are symptom-free. These rules apply if the second dose of the vaccine was received at least two weeks prior to an exposure.
Those who show symptoms, even minor, will be required to isolate and go for testing. If the test is negative there is no need to quarantine further. If a test is positive, they will be required to isolate for 10 days based on when symptoms started.
Close contacts of COVID-19 cases who have one dose of the vaccine will have shortened period of isolation. They will now be required to quarantine for 10 days if they are showing no symptoms. In addition, if they receive a COVID PCR test on day seven of isolation or later they can be released from quarantine if the test is negative.
These changes will not apply to those who have engaged in international travel. International travellers will be required to quarantine for 14 days based on the Federal Quarantine Act.
Albertans who have received no doses of the vaccine must continue to follow standard quarantine rules.
There are 17,675 active cases of COVID-19.
