The number of COVID-19 deaths in Alberta rose by eight in the last reporting week, while hospitalizations jumped by more than 50, according to provincial data.
The number of Albertans who have died since the pandemic began is now 4,673, eight more than a week ago.
As of Monday, 702 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, including 28 patients in the intensive care unit. The previous week, 649 people were hospitalized with the disease, including 26 in intensive care.
The province’s seven-day PCR test positivity rate fell one percentage point to 22.3%. The rate was 23.3% a week ago.
Public health officials identified 1,688 new cases of COVID-19 in the last reporting week, July 26 to August 1, down 29 from the previous week.
More virus is thought to be circulating in the province, however, as few people are eligible to get a PCR test and provincial data excludes positive rapid test results.
Of all Albertans, including those who are not eligible, 77.5% have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine – up 0.1 percentage points from a week ago – while 81, 6% of the population received at least one dose.
Meanwhile, 38.7% of Albertans have received three doses, an increase of 0.1 percentage points from a week ago.
Starting Tuesday, parents and guardians with children six months to four years old in Alberta could schedule vaccination appointments for their children.
cbc
