COVID-19 update: Dr. Hinshaw says cases are growing in rural areas

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Doctor Hinshaw addressed virus transmission occurring in rural areas during the December 3rd COVID-19 update. She believes because rural areas did not see very high numbers in the spring, some people may believe they are at less of a risk.

“While infections rates in Edmonton and Calgary make up the majority of cases in the province, we are seeing increased spread in many rural communities. COVID-19 is not a Calgary problem or an Edmonton problem this is a provincial problem within the context of a global problem,” said Hinshaw.

She noted that outside of Edmonton and Calgary the rate of transmission has been increasing in other parts of Alberta.

“When you look at the 15 local geographic areas with the highest active case rates in Alberta a third of them are outside Calgary and Edmonton. We are also seeing growing outbreaks in the Central, North, and South zones,” noted the doctor.

In the spring, cases in Central Alberta remained relatively low. From November 30th to December 3rd the City of Red Deer has identified 53 new cases. Sylvan Lake’s case numbers have also been growing lately with the addition of 13 new cases within those days, despite remaining below 10 active cases for the majority of November. However, Ponoka County has seen a drastic decrease of active cases. At the beginning of the week the county had 250 cases but now hosts only 161 active cases. All areas remain under enhanced watch.