Data is taken from the
Covid-19 portal and today's media availability with Premier Jason Kenney, Minister of Health Tyler Shandro, and Dr Deena Hinshaw. Dr Hinshaw's next availability it will be Monday.
There are currently enhanced measures in effect for the province of Alberta.
This link provides a quick summary of which ones are in effect for different regions of Alberta.
Alberta is currently on "Early Steps", with the goal of reaching Step 1 on February 8th.
Top line numbers:
- For values where "Current" and "Total" are the same, I have left results under Total
| Value | Current | Change | Total |
| Total cases | — | +543 | 123,364 |
| Active cases | 7,805 | -236 | — |
| Cases with "Unknown source" | 1,129 (34.8%) in last 7 days | -49 (-0.3%) | — |
| Tests | — | +11,608 (~4.68% positive) | 3,154,153 |
| People tested | — | +3,029 | 1,749,944 (~400,353/million) |
| Hospitalizations | 594 | +3/-7 based on yesterday's post/portal data | 5,326 (+33) |
| ICU | 110 | -2/-3 based on yesterday's post/portal data | 858 (+7) |
| Deaths | — | +14 | 1,620 |
| Recoveries | — | +765 | 113,939 |
Age Range of Deaths
| Age Bracket | New Deaths | Total Deaths |
| 20-29 | 0 | 7 |
| 30-39 | 1 | 8 |
| 40-49 | 0 | 18 |
| 50-59 | 0 | 51 |
| 60-69 | 1 | 164 |
| 70-79 | 3 | 321 |
| 80+ | 9 | 1,050 |
| Unknown | 0 | 1 |
Vaccinations
| Value | Change | Total |
| Vaccinations | +1,803 | 104,327 (~23,868/million) |
| Albertans with 2 vaccinations | +1,680 | 14,352 (~3,283/million) |
Reported UK and South Africa Variants
- The value is updated by Alberta Health weekly
- Last update: January 29
| Variant | Change since last update (January 25) | Cases |
| United Kingdom (B.1.1.7) | +11 | 31 |
| South Africa (B.1.351) | +1 | 6 |
Spatial distribution of people tested, cases, and deaths:
- All other values are compared with respect to yesterday
| Zone | Active Cases | People Tested | Total | New Cases | Total | New Deaths | Total |
| Calgary | 3,138 (-64) | +1,203 | 708,112 | +223 | 47,320 | +1 | 505 |
| Central | 692 (-18) | +290 | 155,673 | +67 | 8,777 | +3 | 87 |
| Edmonton | 2,662 (-102) | +834 | 581,259 | +155 | 51,266 | +9 | 848 |
| North | 957 (-53) | +350 | 164,314 | +58 | 10,049 | +1 | 109 |
| South | 340 (+4) | +179 | 108,042 | +39 | 5,822 | +0 | 71 |
| Unknown | 16 (-3) | +173 | 32,544 | +1 | 130 | +0 | 0 |
Effective Reproductive Number (R, or Rt)
- The value is updated by Alberta Health on Mondays
- Last update: January 25
- What % the confidence interval represents isn't stated
| Zone | R Value (Confidence interval) |
| Province-wide | 0.81 (0.79-0.84) |
| Edmonton | 0.81 (0.77-0.85) |
| Calgary | 0.83 (0.79-0.87) |
| Rest of Province | 0.77 (0.73-0.82) |
Spatial distribution of cases for select cities and regions (cities proper for Calgary and Edmonton):
| City/Municipality | Total | Active | Recovered | Deaths |
| Edmonton | 41,833 (+122) | 2,134 (-87) | 38,987 (+204) | 712 (+5) |
| Calgary | 39,762 (+185) | 2,592 (-41) | 36,718 (+225) | 452 (+1) |
| Red Deer | 1,844 (+17) | 174 (+2) | 1,651 (+14) | 19 (+1) |
| Lethbridge | 1,704 (+29) | 133 (+15) | 1,559 (+14) | 12 (+0) |
| Fort McMurray | 1,681 (+2) | 92 (-10) | 1,586 (+12) | 3 (+0) |
| Brooks | 1,361 (+0) | 3 (-1) | 1,344 (+1) | 14 (+0) |
| Grande Prairie | 1,150 (+7) | 147 (-5) | 984 (+12) | 19 (+0) |
| High River + county | 769 (+0) | 24 (-3) | 738 (+3) | 7 (+0) |
| Mackenzie county | 553 (+7) | 40 (+4) | 498 (+3) | 15 (+0) |
| Medicine Hat | 527 (+2) | 21 (+0) | 493 (+2) | 13 (+0) |
| Cardston county | 466 (+4) | 83 (-7) | 377 (+11) | 6 (+0) |
| I.D. No 9 (Banff) | 423 (+11) | 29 (+11) | 394 (+0) | 0 |
| Wheatland county | 232 (+2) | 14 (+1) | 218 (+1) | 0 |
| Warner county | 158 (+0) | 6 (+0) | 150 (+0) | 2 (+0) |
| Wood Buffalo municipality | 133 (+2) | 9 (+2) | 124 (+0) | 0 |
| Rest of Alberta | 30,768 (+153) | 2,304 (-117) | 28,118 (+263) | 346 (+7) |
Other municipalities with 10+ active cases is given at this link
Schools with outbreaks are listed online.
Quick numbers (changes since yesterday):
- 114 school are on alert (2-4 active cases) (+4)
- 15 schools are on outbreak with 5-9 active cases (+2)
- 4 school is on outbreak with over 10 active cases (+0)
Spatial distribution of hospital usage (change as of yesterday's post):
- Hospitalization zone are where the patient is receiving care, not zone of residence
| Zone | Hospitalized | ICU |
| Calgary | 199 (+8) | 48 (+2) |
| Edmonton | 246 (-9) | 38 (-4) |
| Central | 45 (-1) | 7 (+0) |
| South | 34 (+3) | 8 (-1) |
| North | 70 (+2) | 9 (+1) |
Statements by Premier Kenney
Opening Remarks
- Alberta must continue to proceed cautiously
- System is managing as a province, but some hospital facilities is still significant
- Peak reached in early January (>90% Covid capable bed occupancy)
- Problem in every region of the province as many rural regions are cared for in Calgary/Edmonton
- All healthcare workers have limits and we must protect capacity
- Notes (i) Peter Lougheed and Butterdome field units, (ii) AHS having no budget limits at the moment, and (iii) limited staff available
Restrictions
- Recognizes that stress that comes with economic and employment instability
- Why a "lockdown" has never been imposed with curfews, closed schools, and business closure
- Broad public support and compliance is important
- To strike this balance, wants to show a path forward...that bending curve lets public health measures lift
- Must be carefully, slowly, and data driven
Restriction Metrics
- Restrictions will be lifted in a stepped approach based on hospitalizations (ICU and general acute) values. It is a lagging indicator of healthcare capacity
- When a benchmark is reached, discussion will be considered for further advancement of relaxation. Hospitalizations will be primary factor, but growth of cases will also be considered
- Hospitalizations will be reviewed 3 weeks later. If hospitalizations have continued to fall, further progression will be considered
- Case numbers represent recent trends and will be used to determine if relaxations need to be paused or if additional restrictions are needed
- If cases surge to exponential growth and if a variant begins to increase spread, restrictions will be imposed again
Details of Relaxation Plan
- Some restrictions will apply in all steps and at least 3 weeks are place in between each step
- Early Steps: Schools open, outdoor gatherings up to 10 people, personal and wellness by appointment only, funerals up to 20 people
- Step 1 - Begins February 8th: Some easing in school function (indoooutdoor sports, performance activities), some indoor fitness, some dine-in options for restaurants/cafes/pubs bound by clear limitations (e.g. - distancing requirements, group size, masking, etc).
- Step 2 - Requires: Average hospitalization <450: Some easing for retail, banquet halls, community halls, hotels, conference centres. Some further easing on children sports/performance, indoor fitness
- Step 3 - Requires: Average hospitalization <300: Consider places of worship and limited reopening of museums, libraries, casinos, and indoor seated events. Consider indoor indoor social gatherings with limitations. All that are considered will have restrictions still
- Step 4 - Requires: Average hospitalization <150: Restrictions will exist, but will be closer to last summer. Wide range of indoor and indoor activities would be considered. Wedding/funeral receptions, trade shows, are on the table at this point
- Requires buy in from Albertans
- As measures are eased, community spread can occur
- Moving from 1 stage to another will not be automatic - it will be open for discussion
- Leading indicators will be used to warn of "red flags" for pausing relaxation
Closing Remarks
- Minister of Jobs Doug Schweitzer will make announcements for support in coming days
- Hopes that this will be a boost to Albertans and Albertan businesses
- We are not at the end and it will be a while until we see a real effect from vaccines. Variants add to the challenge
- This is not "back to normal" and if we think so, we'll start rolling back steps of the above plan again
Q&A
- There are people who willingly ignore restrictions. What should be done here?: Enforcement is last resort. Regrettable to see that people are doing this and it is disrespectful to healthcare staff; they are saying they are more important than healthcare and can hurt the entire province. Understands the frustration, but things won't improve if people continue to break rules. Calls politicians who support ignoring restrictions "irresponsible" and thinks stronger enforcement is required
- (Upon prompting, Dr Hinshaw added that most Albertans are following restrictions and cannot let the minority dictate the actions of the majority - more compliance results in higher potential for restrictions down the road)
- How much decision making is politics in UCP strongholds?: Decisions in Covid cabinet are data driven. One factor is population compliance; polling say it's about 20% of Albertans think restrictions are too stringent, 40% say it's about right, 40% not strong enough (believes there is no strong consensus). Believes vast majority of Albertans are compliant
- Who will get delayed with limited vaccine doses?: Defers to Minister Shandro. Notes he is worried about EU restricting exports of vaccine and asks federal government put pressure on Pfizer
- (Minister Shandro: Still reviewing. Will follow recommendations of health officials and defers to Dr Hinshaw)
- (Dr Hinshaw: Risk of severe outcomes driven. Still need to review)
Statements by Dr Hinshaw
Cases
- ~12% of schools have active cases (607 cases combined)
- Active cases in 291 schools
- 12 cases of variants identified: 31 UK total, 6 from South Africa
- All but 3 linked to travel and from same household (1 was the community spread case)
- No evidence of further community spread
Relaxations
- Knows many Albertans are keen to return to activities they have missed
- Most important step will be following restrictions in spirit
- If in-person interactions can be replaced, cases will further reduce and prevent spread of variants
Q&A
- What data is being used for deciding Step 1?: Uses BC as an example for successful limited service in these activities and did study of where spread can occur. Group fitness events are high spread (especially high intensity). Opening for fitness will be to bar high intensity fitness. Opening only low risk parts (e.g. - only a single household at a table). More information next week.
- (Premier Kenney added that global data was used)
- How much did Covid variant affect this plan?: Key part of plan is followed by 3 weeks of observation. A part of the 3 week timeline is to monitor for rising cases. This will allow for monitoring
- How confident are you in containing variant?: Concerning in case identification. Significant testing of incoming travellers has allowed for early containment of most cases
- (Premier Kenney added: Concerned for widespread risk of variant. Also considers some positives in vaccines being rolled out and increased contact tracing)
Statements by Minster Shandro
- Proud of progress of vaccination
- Notes Moderna's cut; it feels like Alberta isn't a priority
- Alberta Health was informed that it will reduce from 24,600 to 18,800 doses (5,800 fewer. ~23.5%)
- Informed all February Moderna deliveries being accessed, so unknown how much Alberta will receive in that time
- Accessing impact on first and second doses
- Knows the frustration from Albertans and thinks new from federal governments continues getting worse
- Wants a national strategy for vaccine supply
Q&A
- Does reopening 1 week from now contradict previous comments from Dr Hinshaw/Minister Shandro?: 2 important messages about "stepping up and stepping down". Trying to show Albertans how it could happen and separate from message of potential for further restrictions if cases spread further
- (Upon request from Minister Shandro, Premier Kenney added: The approach is very gradual and are already available in neighbouring provinces of BC and Saskatchewan. Will monitor closely as to best balance multiple pressure on the province. Notes mental health has worsened because of economic stresses for business owners)
- (Dr Hinshaw was asked to add by Premier Kenney: Notes that significant restrictions will exist in the sectors that reopen. But to get more than that will take more work from Albertans to reduce cases and hospitalization)
Additional information will be logged below:
- The final question was for Premier Kenney in French. While I cannot translate, the reporter stated it was about the compliance of Albertans on vaccines.
It’s a Saturday night in lockdown London and I have nothing better to do other than research some tea on our Bravo housewives and rewatch classic reruns of the Real Housewives of Atlanta (season 3 is HISTORY).
Kim Zolciak became the subject of my research (well, more like digging) and I noticed she was consistently linked to rumours of having
a gambling addiction. Unfortunately, the Daily Mail seemed to be the only other source which obtained a detailed amount of information, primarily from Don’t Be Tardy S08E03 ‘Nirvana, Nevada’ (I can’t believe this show has 8 seasons?). I was curious, so I streamed the episode.
When the Biermann family first arrived on an RV road trip to Las Vegas, their suite was luxurious and spacious. Kim quickly went on to mention she’d barely be in the room because she knew she wouldn’t sleep and instead, spend all night long in the casino. Well, she was right.
Long story short, Kim shows all signs of having a severe gambling addiction. She sacrificed 11 hours of sleep (and it didn’t seem like a sufficient amount of time for her) choosing to stay up all night (from an RV road trip with her family to Las Vegas) switching from the gaming machines, poker, cards — anything that was gambling. Brielle didn’t get any sleep either and kept Kim company all night. In the show, Kim was seen throwing $100 in the machines repeatedly.
Kroy had a strict curfew of their RV to departure LV at 08:00 to visit the Grand Canyon. It was 07:58 and Kim’s eyes were hypnotised by the slot machines and she was snappy to anyone (Kroy) that reminded her that they’d have to leave soon. Understandably, he was getting frustrated. She referred to gambling as her ‘therapy’ and a ‘slice of heaven’. Kroy said he doesn’t know any therapist that would recommend 11 hours spent on an activity. Sources are saying she has spent about $250,000 on gambling and is therefore likely to be crippling in debt. Kim reportedly then went onto purchase thousand dollar scratch cards.
The producers asked Kim’s younger children (sorry, I don’t know their names but they seemed maybe age 5 and 8?) if they knew what Kim was doing. Her child responded ‘yes, it’s where she goes to get money.’
At the end of the episode, the producers also asked if Kim managed to win big — or leave empty handed. She hesitated and then said neither, she’s more or less the same in terms of her financial status. Kroy snorted and then Kim looked away from the camera and drank from a red cup.
Side note: Brielle questioned if a rock formation within the canyon was a volcano, to which her mother responded, “Just be pretty, honey.”
TL:DR: Kim a history of a gambling addiction and this is evident on S08E03 Don’t Be Tardy. I watched, so you don’t have to. She’s fixated on gambling and spent 11 hours with Brielle doing it, it’s her main focus of the trip to Las Vegas. Her husband is finding difficulty controlling her habits and she cannot balance her family time and her gambling time. It seems as if she lost more than she won and reportedly has a debt of $250,000.
EDIT: thank you so much for the award! 🤗❤️
BGC and Genting Say 10pm COVID-19 Curfew Would “Devastate” UK Casinos. A 10pm public curfew is under consideration as COVID-19 cases rise in the UK once more. BGC and Genting CEOs opposed the measure in a letter to the culture secretary. The pandemic has seen the UK casino industry suffer due to extended closures since March. BGC slams ‘illogical’ North East casino curfew. Erin-Marie Gallagher September 18, 2020 Europe, Latest News, Retail, UK Comments Off on BGC slams ‘illogical’ North East casino curfew. Share. tweet; StumbleUpon Submit Related Articles. BGC members commit to new design code on game safeties. September 25, 2020. Casinos demand hospitality rescue package as Sunak’s measures fall short ... The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has confirmed that London casinos are prepared to close their bar premises in order to avoid a curfew being imposed on the capital’s entertainment venues. The BGC’s statement comes as the government reviews further lockdown measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, as the UK enters its autumn months. As the COVID numbers quickly rise once again in the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced stricter rules, including a 10pm curfew for casinos. london casino meltdown expected Across the English Channel, the UK’s Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) is pleading with the government not to include London’s casinos in a planned 10pm curfew for ... BGC: UK curfew puts thousands of casino jobs at risk 17 September 2020 (PRESS RELEASE) -- Thousands of jobs in the U.K.’s casino sector would be lost if 10 p.m. curfews were imposed on businesses in an attempt to tackle Covid-19, the Betting and Gaming Council has warned. Central government and local authorities are considering the drastic measure, which would see venues across the country ... UK PM Boris Johnson said similar steps would be taken across the UK after he met with the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during a Cobra emergency committee meeting on Tuesday morning. United Kingdom 09/23/2020 Like England, Scotland and Wales also announced a 10 pm curfew for hospitality businesses including casinos. The Betting and Gaming Council said the measure will cut ... PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has announced tougher coronavirus restrictions today including a 10pm curfew on hospitality businesses. The restrictions, which apply to England and come into force thi… UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a raft of new COVID-19 measures on Tuesday that has set gambling industry alarm bells ringing. Fresh restrictions on casinos include a 10pm to 5am curfew, effective September 24. Plans allowing fans back into sports stadiums from October 1 – and all horse racing events trialing limited spectatorship – have also been shelved. The UK Casino Industry Calls for a “Lifeline” After a Government-Mandated Curfew. Home » Insights » Destinations » The UK Casino Industry Calls for a “Lifeline” After a Government-Mandated Curfew by Editorial Team / November 17, 2020. The British authorities have confirmed that the country’s hospitality sector will need to stick to a 10 pm curfew, as they battle to keep the COVID ...
