Alberta's Minister of Health has released a statement to get out in front of virus season.

Adriana LaGrange says There have been 28 cases of influenza and five lab-confirmed cases of RSV since August 28, consistent for this time of year. 

For COVID-19, from August 28 to September 8 there were a total of 559 cases and 92 hospitalizations, with three intensive care unit admissions. 

Five Albertans died during that period due to COVID-19. 

As of September 8, 417 people are in hospital, seven of those in the ICU. Approximately 20 per cent of patients were admitted with COVID-19 as the primary or significant contributing cause for admission to hospital. 

"It is our collective responsibility to create a safer, healthier environment for everyone, especially during the fall season when we see increases in respiratory viruses like influenza, respiratory synclinal virus (RSV) and COVID-19," LaGrange says.

She stresses we need to make doubly sure we are following proper hygiene protocols like hand washing and staying home when sick. 

It also means respecting those who choose to wear a mask. 

She went on to thank healthcare workers across the province for what they've done and will be doing as the respiratory virus season begins.

Information on immunizations against respiratory viruses including influenza and COVID-19 will be available shortly. 

 

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