COCHRANE— The Town of Cochrane is continuing to see COVID-19 cases numbering in the 30s.
As of the end of the day Sunday (March 7) there were a reported 32 active COVID-19 cases in Cochrane. To date 357 cases have been reported— Two people have died and 323 people have recovered.
Three schools in the region are reporting multiple cases of the virus. Bow Valley High School has reported an outbreak of 10 or more cases, Cochrane High School is on alert for a reported two to four cases of COVID-19 and Elizabeth Barret Elementary School is on alert for two to four cases of the virus.
Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said there has been a concern a large indoor gathering may have resulted in the outbreak at Bow Valley High School, but she has not yet received information if this has been confirmed.
In the last 24 hours, 278 new cases of COVID-19 were identified in Alberta after the completion of about 5,500 tests.
The provincial testing positivity rate currently sits at 5.4 per cent.
There are 254 COVID-related hospitalizations in the province, including 36 in intensive care units.
There were a reported six new COVID-related deaths in the province. To date, 1,920 Albertans have died.
More than 297,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the province, including more than 91,000 Albertans who have been fully immunized with two doses.
There are 4,633 active cases of COVID-19 in Alberta.
Alberta Minister of Health Tyler Shandro announced Monday effective immediately all health measures included in Step Two of the province's four-stage framework to reopening would be eased.
As part of the announcement rattail shops can increase from 15 per cent to 25 per cent of fire code occupancy. The change applies to individual stores and hallways and food courts.
Post-secondary athletic practices will be allowed with a maximum of 10 participants total. Physical distancing must be maintained between participants at all times except during training activities.
Child, youth and adult performances can now rehearse and perform in preparation for filming or to live stream a performance. Dancing, singing, theatre and wind instruments must follow the same restrictions as youth sport and recreational activities in Step One. These restrictions include no more than 10 people, masking and physical distancing. No spectators in in-person audiences are allowed for any type of activity.
Larger indoor film production and indoor performances will be permitted as long as no audience is present and a plan with strict protocols has been approved by the province is in place to reduce transmission of the virus.
Hotels, banquet halls and community centres can now open for all activities permitted under Steps One and Two. This includes wedding ceremonies under 10 people and funeral services under 20 people. Receptions of any kind remain prohibited.
