EDMONTON — Alberta's COVID-19 cases continue to climb ahead of a further shutdown of some businesses and services.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, reported 1,738 new infections and 18 additional deaths from the virus.
So far, 684 people have died in the province since the pandemic began, and there are another 684 in hospital, with 123 of them in intensive care.
Starting Sunday, restaurants and bars will be limited to takeout and delivery, and casinos, recreation centres, gyms, hair salons and spas must close.
Retail businesses will also be limited to 15 per cent capacity, down from 25.
Hinshaw says people don't need to wait until Sunday to start staying home.
"We do not need to wait for the clock to strike midnight on Saturday," Hinshaw told a news conference Friday.
"Please do not rush into malls or cram into businesses before the restrictions kick in. Don't host a holiday or Hanukkah party just because you don't think you'll get caught."
Alberta continues to have the highest rate of new daily infections in Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2020
The Canadian Press
