LAKELAND - A couple of regions in the Lakeland are breathing a sigh of relief, with zero active cases of COVID-19 being reported in St. Paul and Lac La Biche.
On July 6, Trevor Kotowich, regional director of emergency management for the Town of St. Paul, County of St. Paul, Town of Elk Point and Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay released a message, stating "for the first time in over a year" he was happy to report the region of St. Paul had zero active cases of the respiratory virus.
Over the course of the pandemic, the St. Paul region reported 949 cases, with 942 recoveries, which means there were seven deaths reported, due to the virus.
Alberta entered Stage 3 of the Open for Summer Plan on July 1, and the majority of public health measures have been lifted. Isolation and quarantine requirements, along with some restrictions in health care settings are still in place. The provincial mask mandate has also been lifted, although some businesses and organizations do continue to ask patrons and employees to wear masks.
The Lac La Biche region is also showing zero active cases of COVID-19. The region has had 743 cases, along with 14 cases in what is labelled as Lac La Biche County on the provincial map. A total of 10 deaths have been reported.
The MD of Bonnyville is reporting five active cases of the virus, and has reported 784 cases since the pandemic began. A total of 13 deaths have been reported in the area.
The City of Cold Lake region is showing two active cases, as of Thursday. Cold Lake has reported a total of 777 cases since the pandemic began and lists one death as being attributed to the virus.
The neighbouring area of Smoky Lake is showing one active case, while Athabasca is also showing one active case.
As of July 7, 73.7 per cent of Albertans 12 years old and over had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While the number of people vaccinated in the Lakeland has increased, Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Lac La Biche and St. Paul are all sitting below 50 per cent of residents having received their first dose of the vaccine, according to the provincial map on July 8.
The provincial government continues to encourage Albertans to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Information on the province's vaccination program can be accessed online.
