We have another 96 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta bringing the total in the province to 968.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw says 174 people have recovered and it's believed 108 were transmitted in the community.

There have also been two more deaths, including one man in his 90's at the Mckenzie Towne long term care centre and another man in his 80's at the Manoir du Lac retirement home in McLennan.

"As of today there are nine outbreaks at continuing care facilities across the province," she says. "Some of these have been opened due to staff working at both the Mckenzie Towne long term care facility and another site, when these staff have been confirmed as a case."

Dr. Hinshaw says once a worker is identified, extra steps are taken at the second continuing care centre to prevent the virus from spreading.

She has issued new standards, enforceable by law, that operators and staff of these care homes have to follow in the event of a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.

"Under the new orders staff and operators will be required to notify Public Health as soon as a case is suspected or confirmed and if two or more residents exhibit COVID-like symptoms," Dr. Hinshaw says. "Staff who may work at multiple facilities are required when there is a confirmed outbreak to immediately inform their supervisors if they have worked at, or are working at a facility where there is a confirmed case."

So far there have been no cases detected in First Nation centres.

Dr. Hinshaw says AHS has worked closely with First Nations since the start of preparations to coordinate their efforts. She says one of her priorities has been to make sure First Nations communities have access to the resources they need to keep themselves safe.

"You may recall I spoke last week about Siksika where they have set up testing protocols with-in the Nation so they're able to do testing in that community, and that's supported by Alberta Health Services, in terms of the supplies."

She says that same coordination is happening in other areas.