Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw again provided an update on COVID-19 in Alberta this afternoon.

Yesterday's data centre outage which was caused by a small fire, is still being repaired, meaning today's update was again limited.

162 new cases were reported, bringing the provincial total to 2158. There are no new cases in the City or County of Grande Prairie.

2779 tests were carried out in the last 24 hours.

Two deaths were confirmed; a male in his 70's in the Calgary zone (confirmed by Dr. Hinshaw to be a High River resident at a long term care facility), and a female in her 80's at the Manoir du Lac retirement home in McLennan. 

Dr. Hinshaw also commented on a few recent outbreaks, including at the Kearl Oil Sands Project North of Fort McMurray, and the Cargill Plant North of High River.

She says Cargill has been fully cooperative to ensure the health and safety of staff.

"In addition to complying with all public health measures, Cargill has increase physical distancing between employees, and slowed down the lines while ensuring meat processing can continue safely. I would like to stress to Albertans that everything that needs to be done to keep people safe in Kearl and other camps, and food processing facilities like Cargill is being done."

When asked about the number of cases of the Cargill plant, Hinshaw was only able to provide numbers for the larger High River area, confirming 164 cases.

Dr. Hinshaw went on to strongly recommend Albertans limit or even quit smoking and vaping during this time.

"There is growing evidence to suggest quitting smoking or vaping even temporarily can have positive outcomes in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Smoking increases the risk of poor outcomes from any lung infection, and this virus mainly affects the lungs. When you are smoking or vaping, you are also touching your mouth and lips. This can make it easier to catch the virus from your hands."

She also encourages reduced alcohol consumption to limit health issues, risk taking behaviors and violence.

To view the original conference, click here.

For more information on COVID-19 in Alberta, click here.