Active infections approach 6,000 as Alberta identifies 678 new COVID-19 cases

CALGARY — Active cases of COVID-19 in Alberta continue to climb as the province reported its highest daily case count in nearly three months.

There were 678 new infections identified on Wednesday after 9,215 tests were completed — a positivity rate of around 7.4 per cent.

Active infections in the province have now risen to 5,933.

NEW:

– 678 new COVID cases in Alberta on 9215 tests (7.4%+)
– 2 new deaths
– 184 in hospital (+8), incl 48 in ICU (+4)
– 5933 active cases (+306)#yeg #yyc #ableg #covid19ab pic.twitter.com/czue51ipqD

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) August 18, 2021

Calgary continues to lead the way when it comes to COVID-19 cases, with 1,522 active infections.

Edmonton has the second most with 1,251.

Hospitalizations increased from Tuesday’s report — with 184 people now in hospital — 48 of which are in the ICU.

Two additional deaths were reported Wednesday.

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To date, nearly 5.46 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Alberta.

Seventy-seven per cent of the eligible population have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 68.2 per cent are fully vaccinated.