Thirty-three additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 259.

Of these cases, 18 are currently hospitalized, seven have been admitted to intensive care units (ICU), and one patient has died. The number of confirmed recovered cases remains at three. A longer-term process for determining timely reporting of recovered cases is underway.

The news comes from a Government of Alberta release on Sunday (Mar. 22). Of the cases, 18 are in the North zone.

The release also highlighted seniors facilities, which are receiving social isolation and distancing information, and stronger restrictions are being put in place for visitors to long-term and seniors care facilities. Essential visitors will be restricted to a single individual who can be family, a friend, a paid companion who provides care and/or a single designated visitor for a person who is dying, as long as only one visitor enters the facility at a time. Every visitor will undergo a health screening.

The most important measures that Albertans can take to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is to practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately, and staying home and away from others if you are sick.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 info page.