There are now 419 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, three of which are in the Grande Prairie region.

The total number took another big jump on Wednesday, with 61 new cases identified. It's believed up to 33 of the total cases may have been spread through community transmission.

20 people are receiving treatment in hospital, including eight who are in intensive care. The number of cases that have made a full recovery remains at three.

Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says identified cases in long term or other continuing care facilities is concerning.

Four cases were reported on Tuesday at the McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Centre in Calgary and another two additional cases have now been confirmed at the same facility. There is also one case in Rosedale on the Park in Edmonton and two cases at Sheperd's Care Kensington Village in Edmonton.

Hinshaw says there has also been an outbreak identified at Nelson Home in Calgary, an adult group home for people with developmental disabilities where one staff member and two residents have tested positive for COVID-19. As the investigation is in the early stages, Hinshaw was unable to comment on any further details.

"I know that many Albertans are concerned about these cases, and about the spread of COVID-19," Hinshaw says. "I am concerned as well."

Hinshaw says Premier Jason Kenney's announcement of the enforcement of public health orders is an essential step.

"Over the past two day, despite the aggressive measures already in place, it's become clear that additional measures are needed," says Hinshaw, who offered some additonal advice for families.

She advises that family members need to limit sharing of open food, like communal fruit bowls, snacks like popcorn, candy, or nuts.

"Don't share cups, drinks, or utensils and have one person as the designated person to serve all others so that a serving utensil is handled only by one person," says Hinshaw, referencing a bonspiel in Edmonton where almost half of the health care workers who attended have now tested positive for COVID-19. It's suspected the virus was spread at a buffet where serving spoons were handled by many people.

Hinshaw offered another suggestion for families to keep children occupied by partnering with a cohort family.

"Both families agree to isolate from everyone else and to focus on supporting each other," says Hinshaw. "By doing this, the two families would only be exposed to each other. Limiting close contact, children would have opportunities to play in a controlled environment and parents would have opportunities to connect."

Hinshaw says this will only work if both families are committed.

"As long as members in both families remain healthy, don't have underlying medical conditions, aren't high risk like seniors, have not recently travelled outside of the country, and are not showing symptoms," says Hinshaw.

With Easter and Ramadan approaching, Hinshaw also advised that some traditions will need to change.

"Now is not the time to plan any travel, even to other cities or provinces, or to attend large family gatherings or dinners. We must maintain social distancing practices even when we are together with family. Now is not the time to visit grandparents for Sunday dinner, now is not the time to host or attend a potluck with friends, now is not the time to plan for a family reunion," says Hinshaw. "This is the time to stay home and work together to limit the spread."