Alberta’s health minister has tested positive for COVID-19 and provincial hospitalizations exceed 1,000 patients for the first time since September as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly.

Minister Jason Copping said on social media that he tested positive in a rapid test after showing mild symptoms last week and was self-isolating at home.

Provincial figures show 94 patients receiving intensive care – a jump of 13 from before the weekend.

The death toll rose by 23 people, including a child between the ages of five and nine – one of the youngest deaths from COVID-19 ever recorded in the province.

Provincial figures show more than 15,000 Albertans tested positive for the virus from Friday to Sunday, with positivity rates between 35% and 39%.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, said infections are far higher than provincial data shows – possibly up to 10 times higher.

“Please stay home if you have symptoms and get a quick test if you can,” Copping said on social media Monday.

“I urge any Albertan who has not been vaccinated or still needs a booster to consider getting it. Reports suggest that fully vaccinated people are 19 times less likely to end up in hospital with Omicron than unvaccinated people.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on January 17, 2022.