There are now more than 1,100 active cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, the highest level since May 12.
And Alberta Health statistics show the majority of new and active cases are in the 20-39-year-old age brackets.
Of the 1,109 active cases in the province, 553 of those are in the Calgary zone. There are 86 people in hospital, 17 of whom are in the ICU, and a further three people have died from the virus, bringing the provincial total to 170.
The updated statistics page still lists Jasper as having zero active cases of COVID-19, as it has since May 16. There have been eight total diagnosed cases, with seven recoveries and one death.
But at the other end of the Icefield Parkway, Banff has leapt from three active cases to eight.
Also on the rise are the number of infections come about from 'unknown exposure' - rather than from travel or a known exposure.
Before this weekend's numbers were released, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, said Thursday she was concerned about the number of new cases – especially the increase of cases in 20- to 39-year-olds
“While a few months ago new cases had about six close contacts, many now have upwards of 15 to 20 contacts during their infectious period.” she said.
“This is a reflection of many people feeling tired of restrictions, they don’t want to be held back any more from interacting socially with their friends and doing things they enjoy.”
Hinshaw encouraged Albertans to be responsible and physically distance at beaches, on hiking trails and at other popular hotspots – and to have a back-up plan for if the space is full when you arrive.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Jasper has launched a campaign to help keep the town safe from COVID-19.
Last week, large digital signs were placed at the east and west entrances of town, asking residents and visitors to Keep Jasper Safe.
And the municipality is asking that everyone who enters the community to practice physical distancing and wear a mask when they are unable to maintain a two metre distance.
Soon, visitors will also receive hand outs at the park gates reminding them of the key public health measures and see these messages in store windows downtown.
