Two more deaths and a sharp increase in positive cases were reported in St. Albert between June 28 and July 4, according to the province's weekly COVID statistics update July 6.
The number of St. Albertans who have died from COVID, to date, is now 87.
The province's statistics update includes 32 new cases of COVID reported in St. Albert between June 28 and July 4, an increase from the 12 cases reported between June 21-27.
Last week, the seven-day case rate per 100,000 people was 46, compared to 17.2 the week prior, the province reported.
There was a slight increase in positive cases in Sturgeon County, according to the July 6 update.
Four new cases were reported in the county last week, compared to the three cases reported between June 21-27. The seven-day case rate per 100,000 people was 14.3 between June 28 and July 4, compared to 10.7 between June 21-27.
There were no new deaths reported in Sturgeon County; the number of county residents who have died from the virus remained at 18.
In Morinville, the province reported zero new cases for the second week in a row. The number of people who have died from COVID in Morinville also remained at 16.
The province reported a total of 1,124 new cases of COVID between June 28 and July 4 across the province, as well as an increase in ICU patients. The number of people being treated in ICU increased to 21, compared to 13 the week prior.
Fifteen Albertans died due to the virus between June 28 and July 4, including the two deaths in St. Albert, according to the province's July 6 update. The total number of Albertans who have died since the beginning of the pandemic is now 4,636.
Overall hospitalizations across the province decreased to 568, compared to the 589 the province reported between June 21-27.
According to Alberta Health Services' acute care outbreak list, a COVID outbreak was declared in one particular unit at the Sturgeon Community Hospital on June 29. While AHS did not specify which unit of the hospital is experiencing the outbreak, the outbreak has been limited to two positive cases.
As well, the province reported there are currently outbreaks at two Edmonton hospitals: the Royal Alexandra and Grey Nuns. An outbreak was declared at the Royal Alexandra Hospital on June 22 when two patients and three health-care workers tested positive in one unit, and seven health-care workers tested positive in another unit. The outbreak in one unit at the Grey Nuns Hospital was declared on June 25 after a patient tested positive.
Monkeypox update
On Monday, July 4, chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw tweeted that a total of eight adult cases of monkeypox have been identified in the province, all of which have been in the Edmonton and Calgary zones.
"The overall risk in the province remains low," Hinshaw said. "Contract tracing and investigation is underway."
If somebody thinks they have been exposed to monkeypox, or are experiencing symptoms such as swollen glands, fever, rash, or sores, then they should call 811, Hinshaw said.
"We are continuing to investigate the spread of monkeypox with our federal and provincial partners and will regularly assess the situation as it evolves, including an assessment of vaccine eligibility."
