COVID-19 in Alberta: ICU, hospitalization numbers hit 7-week highs, 407 new cases

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, sanitizes her hands before providing an update on COVID-19 and back-to-school guidance in Edmonton, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Edmonton -

The number of Albertans in hospital and intensive care units due to COVID-19 rose to a seven-week high on Tuesday, according to the province's latest data. 

The province reported 176 COVID-19 patients in hospital, up nine from Monday's adjusted total.

There are 44 Albertans receiving coronavirus care in ICUs, an increase of one.

Both totals are the highest since the last week of June.

• Infographics: COVID-19 in Alberta by the numbers
• COVID-19 in Edmonton: Numbers broken down by neighbourhood

Alberta reported 407 new infections, with a positivity rate of 7.51 per cent based on about 5,500 tests. Since July 29, testing has been recommended only for those with symptoms. 

Active cases are now at 5,627, their highest mark since early June.

Among eligible Albertans, 76.9 per cent have now received a first dose of vaccine and 68.0 per cent have had two doses.

Of the new cases, 74 per cent were unvaccinated, 17 per cent were fully vaccinated and nine per cent were partially vaccinated, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw tweeted. 

The next data update is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.