Premier Jason Kenney has always said he wants to keep the economy as open as possible while tackling the virus with targeted measures.
But the huge jump in cases (1,105 Thursday and 1,155 Friday) suggests the government is about to lose control of the spread. Nineteen more people died over those two days.
Federal modelling also shows a sharp upward curve in Alberta cases.
Its increasingly obvious that the virus could overrun the measures imposed by the UCP.
The reality is that even if the virus were to vanish today, hospital capacity will still be severely challenged in the coming weeks by people who are getting sick at this moment.
The intensive care units that have been standing by for months are now within 12 beds of the 70-bed capacity.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, reassured Albertans on Friday, saying a further 103 ICU beds can be made available.
But the staff, space and equipment can only come from other hospital units, which means diminished resources for patients who need surgeries or fall sick with other conditions.
The government is well aware that people have already died needlessly of ailments unrelated to COVID-19, either because they couldnt get emergency treatment or surgery, or delayed going to hospital out of fear.
Next Friday will bring the expiry of temporary measures, including restaurant and bar closings at 11 p.m., limits of 15 for private gatherings, restrictions on team sports, and more.