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By Connor Gunn/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Doctors address rising South Zone COVID numbers

Mar 26, 2021 | 1:57 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB- After concerns have been made clear by health officials in Alberta, some doctors are addressing their concerns with the South Zone’s rising COVID cases.

In a virtual media availability Thursday, lead Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vivien Suttorp, and South Zone Medical Director Dr. Aaron Low, made their points clear.

Statistics as of Thursday morning show the South Zone currently has 39 COVID-19 positive individuals in hospital. There are 784 active cases in the zone with 508 of those coming from Lethbridge.

There are 32 at Chinook Regional Hospital, with seven of those in the ICU.

Medicine Hat Regional Hospital has five inpatients, with two in the ICU. The Cardston Health Centre also has two inpatients.

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Dr. Suttorp spoke about the concern now that Easter is around the corner and families tend to get together for the holiday.

“There are guidelines for community gatherings so truly most importantly if you’re eligible for immunization, please book yourself for immunization. Stay home if you’re sick, and get tested.”

She also added that “Easter is an important celebration,” but hopes people are making smart decisions in accordance with public health guidelines.

Given the current state of Lethbridge and its surrounding area’s COVID numbers, Dr. Low says the Zone is a “hotspot” for cases and if the province took a more targeted approach to restrictions, Lethbridge could be affected negatively.

When asked what Lethbridge and the zone could do to improve the limit of spreading the virus, Dr. Low says “we hope we can have some improvements in how people are following restrictions,” hinting that many aren’t following restrictions.