Chief Medical Officer of Health said the province will see challenges ahead as cold and flu season approaches during the September 17th COVID-19 update. The doctor worries the current testing system may become over-burdened with those who are experiencing cold and flu symptoms as well as COVID-19 symptoms. The province and the rest of Canada will be preparing for a surge of tests this winter.

“More people with symptoms means that we will see more people needing to be tested. Our lab systems need to support cases of both COVID-19 and influenza,” said the doctor.

More 233,000 of voluntary asymptomatic tests have been conducted since May 29th. Dr. Hinshaw said only seven cases per 10,000 asymptomatic tests are confirmed to be positive.  

“This means that it is very rare to find cases in those without symptoms and cases without known exposure. This testing is not driving the new cases that we are seeing,” said Hinshaw.

The added that the asymptomatic testing program has helped the labs prepare for high volumes of testing we will need in the months ahead. To accommodate the influx of illness, testing will change in the province.

“We will continue testing any Albertans with symptoms while targeting asymptomatic testing for those who most need it most and where it is most likely to identify as positive cases,” said Dr. Hinshaw.

Anyone with symptoms, linked to an outbreak, or in proximity to a diagnosed case of the virus will be able to receive testing.

“Asymptomatic testing for those with no known exposure will continue to be offered for priority groups that are most at risk for spreading COVID-19 to vulnerable and at risk populations,” explained the doctor.

She noted residents and staff at congregate settings, healthcare workers, school teachers and staff, and Albertans experiencing homelessness will be top priority for asymptomatic testing.Those who are travelling internationally and require asymptomatic testing will also still be allowed to continue on with aysymptomatic testing. 

People with scheduled asymptomatic tests will still be able to go to their appointments. 

New case numbers as of September 17th, 2020:

  • 146 new cases have been identified
  • 1,483 active cases in Alberta
  • 64 cases have been identified in
  • 48 schools in the province
  • 41 people are hospitalized with COVID-19
  • 8 people are currently in ICUs
  • 14,573 total recovered cases
  • 0 new death
  • 254 total deaths from the virus 
  • 1,269,378 tests have been performed in total 

Active case numbers in Central Alberta area:

  • 2 active cases in Lacombe County
  • 0 active case in the City of Lacombe
  • 8 active cases in the City of Red Deer
  • 0 active cases in Red Deer County
  • 2 active cases in Ponoka County
  • 1 active cases in the Town of Sylvan Lake
  • 0 active cases in Stettler County
  • 1 active case in Mountain View County

*Not all cases in the Central Zone have been included.