After a period of time with no additional active cases, both the City of Wetaskiwin and County of Wetaskiwin’s COVID-19 numbers have begun to rise.
The County of Wetaskiwin previously had one active case and remained that way for weeks. As of the province’s most recent update, interactive data on the Government of Alberta’s COVID-19 aggregate data map shows that the County of Wetaskiwin is up to nine active cases.
The City of Wetaskiwin after a period of consistent decrease in active cases is now trending upward in numbers. On the municipality setting of the province’s COVID-19 aggregate data map, the City of Wetaskiwin has 39 active cases.
The province is also recording an additional COVID-19 death in the City of Wetaskiwin. This is the sixth COVID-19 death in the City of Wetaskiwin. The County only has one reported COVID-19 death.
Sacred Heart School in Wetaskiwin is currently under a COVID-19 alert on the province’s reports. According the Government of Alberta’s outbreak data website an alert is classified as two to four cases.
Maskwacis Health Services reports that Maskwacis currently has 22 active cases.
The climb in active cases in the City and County of Wetaskiwin coincides with a rise of active cases across Alberta, which is one of the main reasons the provincial government stated for delaying Step 3 of provincial re-opening on Monday March 22, 2021.
“There will be no easing of any restrictions at this time. This is the safe move, this is the smart move to make for our province right now,” Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro said on Monday.
“It is absolutely necessary to help us avoid a third wave that would take more lives and once again, put more pressure on the hospital system. This pause is prudent and it’s essential. But I know that for many people it is a disappointment.”
The delay of Step 3 was also caused by a rise in hospitalizations across the province.
Step three of provincial re-opening would include the potential easing of:
• Adult team sports;
• Casinos, racing centres and bingo halls;
• Further easing of youth sport and recreation activities;
• Indoor social gatherings, with restrictions;
• Indoor seated events (movie theatres and auditoria);
• Museums, art galleries, zoos, interpretive centres;
• And places of worship.
Currently Alberta remains under restrictions set in place for Step 2.
shaela.dansereau@pipestoneflyer.ca
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