The active total of COVID-19 cases in Fort McMurray isn’t increasing or decreasing.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced on Thursday 967 new cases across the province.

This raises the provincial total to 114,585 with 12,434 currently active. There are also 806 Albertans in the hospital for the virus, 136 of which are in ICUs.

Locally, Fort McMurray added 18 new cases and 18 additional recoveries which keeps the active total at 223.

The rural areas and Wood Buffalo National Park didn’t see any new changes in the past 24 hours which keeps the total of active cases at four and two respectively.

In total, 1,478 individuals across the RMWB – 1,351 in Fort McMurray, 120 in the rural areas, and seven in Wood Buffalo National Park – have recovered.

They are among the 100,762 who’ve recovered across the province. This represents nearly 88 per cent of reported cases.

There were also 21 new deaths from COVID-19 in Alberta over the past 24 hours – raising the total to 1,389.

To date, three individuals in Fort McMurray have died as a result of the virus.

COVID-19 Measures

The province is also easing the restrictions on outdoor gatherings.

Up to 10 people will be allowed at these gatherings starting on January 18, while indoor events continue to be prohibited.

Funeral ceremonies can also up to 20 people, however, funeral receptions are still not allowed.

Personal and wellness services are also allowed to open by appointment only. This includes barber shops, salons, tattoo shops, and more.