The latest numbers from the Government of Alberta show a total of 1,423 confirmed cases of COVID-19, an increase of 50.

Of the total count, 519 have recovered from the infection. The number of deaths has increased to 29.  There are 95 cases in the North zone.  The two cases in Grande Prairie are now listed as recovered, while there are currently 2 active cases in the County of Grande Prairie with one recovery.

 

To date, 68,762 COVID-19 tests have been completed in Alberta. Hinshaw says since the Calgary zone has a higher per cent positive rate in lab testing, the province will be expanding testing to get as much information as possible to reduce spread in the area.

"We are expanding testing effective immediately to include all residents of the Calgary zone who have a cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, or shortness of breath," says Hinshaw. The City of Airdrie is included in the Calgary zone.

Hinshaw says they are also opening testing to essential service workers across the province with any of the same above symptoms. "We are defining that as anyone whose work site has not been closed to public access by public health orders and who, if they were well, would currently be working outside the home."

Anyone with the same symptoms and who lives with a person who is 65 years of age or older is also eligible for testing, says Hinshaw, who adds to book a test, you're advised to use the online assessment tool. There is a separate online tool for essential workers.

Dr. Hinshaw reiterates that the best way to contain this outbreak is by staying home as much as possible, thereby limiting your chances of catching the virus.

"Also please remember, anyone with any of the five symptoms should stay home and away from others for 10 days after the start of symptoms or until symptoms resolve, which ever is longer, even without a lab test," says Hinshaw.

The public health measures will only be eased once the data says it's safe to do so, and Hinshaw says she will continue to monitor the data and make recommendations if further public health measures are needed.

"The coming days and weeks will be critical. The cooperation of all Albertans is needed. Each and every one of us must continue to do everything we can to prevent the spread of this virus. This is in our hands and we can do this together."