1,103 Albertans in hospital with COVID-19, 18 deaths reported over weekend

The number of Albertans in hospital with COVID-19 continued to drop Monday as the province announced 1,103 people were in hospital with the virus.

Of that number, 77 people were receiving care in the province’s ICUs.

That’s compared to 1,164 Albertans in hospital on Friday, with 77 of those people in the ICU.

An additional 18 deaths were reported to Alberta Health since Friday’s update, brining Alberta’s COVID-19 death toll to 3,972.

There were 1,113 new cases were confirmed over the same time period: 429 new cases were confirmed on Friday, 402 cases on Saturday and 282 new cases on Sunday.

On Monday, there were 7,158 active lab-confirmed cases.

Because access to PCR testing is currently restricted in Alberta, officials have said the number of new and active cases are likely much higher.

1:51 COVID-19: Families of immunocompromised Albertans speak out on restrictions being lifted

On Monday, Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley announced she has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, the Opposition leader said she tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, using a rapid antigen test.

“I have been triple-vaccinated and my symptoms are mild,” Notley said.

“I’m fortunate that I can continue to work on behalf of Alberta families while in isolation at my home. I look forward to returning to the legislature in person as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

In a post on social media, Notley used the chance to remind people to get their first, second or third dose of COVID-19 vaccine if they’re eligible.

So far, 90.1 per cent of Albertans 12 and older have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 86.6 per cent have received two doses. About 35.6 per cent of Albertans have received a third dose of vaccine.