Photo: Government of Alberta

By Shaun Penner

As COVID-19 cases spike

Kenney pleads for Albertans to follow current public health measures, no new restrictions brought in

Apr 1, 2021 | 4:11 PM

Though he did not announce any new COVID-19 related public health restrictions, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is pleading with Albertans to follow measures that are currently in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern, as the Easter long weekend draws near.

Kenney says he is leaving it up to Albertans to help drive down a recent rise of variants of concerns and to not gather in large groups this long weekend, while following all current public health measures.

“Instead of being here with a message of openness and optimism, I am here instead with a plea,” said Kenney Thursday, wishing he could be talking about turning a corner on the year-long pandemic.

“Please, please, follow Alberta’s health restrictions and guidelines this weekend and in the weeks to come. Please remember that there is a ban on socializing indoors, except for members of your household group or your two designated contacts if you are single.”

Kenney did say Thursday the province is in the midst of a “significant new wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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This comes as 875 new cases were confirmed across the province, 322 of which were variants. This is the second day in a row that new infections surpassed 800.

Hospitalizations crept up over 300 in yesterday’s report and fell to 292 today.

“With [8,653] active cases and a ratio of those cases at six per cent end up in hospital, we know with great certainty that we will have close to 500 COVID patients in hospital just two weeks from now. If growth continues at its current pace, that will turn into about 1,000 people in hospital about a month from now and so on.”

Kenney says stat holidays like Easter have proven to be breeding grounds for COVID-19 as more people gather closely together despite the public health measures in place.

“Our last wave began, clearly, right after Thanksgiving when Albertans gathered indoors and around the table to celebrate with food, drinks, and conversations. Our contact tracing data confirms clearly that these kinds of activities – at home indoor socializing – are by far the most responsible for spreading COVID-19.”

With highs ranging from 15-17 degrees over the long weekend, many Albertans will likely seek outdoor fun over Easter.

Indoor social gatherings are currently prohibited in the province but those who live alone can have two close contacts with them.

Outdoor social gatherings with up to 10 people are permitted.

A full list of COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta can be found here.

(With files from David Opinko / Lethbridge News Now)