As Airdrie and the rest of the province adjust to life without public health restrictions, the city has reported eight active cases of COVID-19 as of July 7 end-of-day, with the percentage of fully vaccinated eligible residents nearing 50 per cent.
According to airdrie.ca, which has continued to post COVID-19 updates daily, there have been a total of 3,828 cases of the virus, with 3,801 people recovering. Additionally, 73 per cent of the population has received their first dose of the vaccination.
Outside of Airdrie, Rocky View County is reporting six active cases – down three since July 6, according to alberta.ca. Chestermere is reporting eight cases, and Cochrane is reporting seven as of July 7.
There are currently 697 active cases in the province, according to government statistics, with 23 new cases announced on July 7. Additionally, 133 patients are in hospital with the virus and 32 COVID-19 patients are in intensive care. There have been 232,359 total cases in Alberta since the pandemic began, with 229,355 people recovering from the virus and 2,307 deaths being reported.
As the Calgary Stampede makes its return to Calgary July 9, its website states it will continue to follow Alberta Health and Health Canada when it comes to participation in the festival's activities.
"We also continue to explore rapid testing and proof of vaccination for entry to Nashville North," the website stated.
Calgary Stampede officials say there will be a few new experiences attendees traditionally see at the Stampede which will return in 2022. Some examples will be the lack of the Rangeland Derby and a new route for the 2021 Stampede Parade.
"Among many safety enhancements for Stampede 2021, the Parade will travel through Stampede Park prior to public opening on the morning of Friday, July 9, and will feature many of the things you know and love, including floats, marching bands and many mounted riders," the organization stated.
The Calgary Stampede is also encouraging all guests to wear masks while attending the grounds, although doing so will not be mandatory, as per the lifting of mandatory masking bylaws in Calgary on July 5. That said, Stampede frontline volunteers and employees will be required to wear masks.
