By Canadian Press

Calgary Stampede linked to 71 COVID-19 cases; community spread from event unknown

Jul 28, 2021 | 10:42 AM

CALGARY – Alberta Health says 71 cases of COVID-19 were likely acquired at the Calgary Stampede but community spread as a result of those cases is unknown.

Government officials say the 10-day rodeo and festival that welcomed hundreds of thousands of attendees isn’t a significant driver, so far, in rising infections in the province.

The Calgary Zone represents almost 62 per cent of Alberta’s 1,173 active cases, as of yesterday.

Dr. Jia Hu, a physician who advised the Stampede, says in a statement that 749 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Alberta over the past two weeks.

That means Stampede-acquired infections represent less than 10 per cent of new cases.

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About 529,000 people attended the Stampede, where masks were not required and only one event required proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test result to enter.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2021.

The Canadian Press