LAKELAND - While two regions within the Lakeland are now reporting over 100 active cases of COVID-19 - Cold Lake and St. Paul - the provincial government has announced it will be easing some measures as of Jan. 18.
The Cold Lake region is now showing 107 active cases according to the Government of Alberta map, while the St. Paul region is at 146 active cases. Cold Lake has not reported any deaths due to the virus, while the St. Paul region is still showing two deaths associated with the virus.
The MD of Bonnyville region is reporting 85 active cases, and the Lac La Biche region is reporting 53 active cases. The Bonnyville region is reporting one death, and Lac La Biche is reporting five deaths due to COVID-19.
The Smoky Lake region, directly to the west of the St. Paul region, is now showing 72 active cases.
Restrictions eased
While indoor gatherings remain prohibited, up to 10 people are allowed at outdoor social gatherings as of Jan. 18.
"Personal and wellness services will be allowed to open by appointment only," according to the provincial update released on Jan. 14. Funeral ceremony attendance will also be increased to 20 people, with mandatory masking and two metre physical distancing. Funeral receptions are still not allowed to occur.
"All Albertans, businesses, organizations and service providers must continue to follow all other existing health measures," according to the update.
“Although we’ve seen a decline in transmission, our health-care system is still at risk. We must remain diligent in our efforts to bring our numbers down even further. By easing some measures like outdoor gathering limits, we hope to support Albertans’ mental health, while still following other restrictions that are helping us reduce case numbers," said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health.
