Chief Medical Officer of Health Doctor Deena Hinshaw provided an update on COVID-19 and the current number of active cases, hospitalizations, and variants across Alberta.

There are currently 15.087 active cases of COVID in Alberta. Yesterday, there were 14,849. Variants of concern continue to climb and account for 52% of all provincial active cases right now.

There are now 402 Albertans in the hospital due to COVID. The number of Albertans in ICU is 88. 

There have been 932,258 vaccinations administered.

In Airdrie, there are 219 active COVID-19 cases. Yesterday, there were 215.

Active cases in Rocky View County rose slightly to 211. Yesterday, there were 209.

The number of active cases and hospitalizations remain a major factor in how tight, or eased, public health measures are. A COVID-19 number that can't go unnoticed is how many Albertans have recovered from the virus. Since last March, approximately 146,011 Albertans have recovered from COVID-19.

Alongside the latest COVID-19 numbers in the province from Doctor Deena Hinshaw, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced an enhancement to the Small Business Relaunch Grant.

Small businesses will be eligible for a payment of up to $10,000 from the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch grant. Revenue requirements will remain the same and businesses that have seen a 30% reduction in business will be eligible to receive support.

If a business has received previous payments, even the maximum $20,000, they can now receive as much as $30,000 altogether in support from this program. Unlike when the program first began, hotels, taxis, and ride-shares will now be eligible for support.

Those who qualify for the funding can use it for the following:

  • Cover the costs of items that help prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as PPE and cleaning supplies
  • Pay rent, employee wages, or replace inventory
  • Help businesses expand their online presence or e-commerce opportunities so that they can continue to serve customers