Dr. Hinshaw is reporting today 319 new cases in Alberta, bringing the total to 3720. Of these, 1357 have recovered. 

One of the new cases was at Sophia Foods in the Calgary zone. Since this is the only case at this plant, it is not yet considered an outbreak. Close contacts are in isolation which has slowed production. 

There have been 2 deaths at the JBS beef plant in Brooks. There are 124 confirmed cases in workers.

There have been 68 deaths to date in the province. 

There are now 480 cases confirm in workers at the Cargil plant near High River. 

Dr. Hinshaw recognized that the numbers can be alarming and assures Albertans that they are using aggressive measures as soon as outbreaks are identified and that these measures are working.  

The long incubation period of the virus means we will keep seeing more cases in the days ahead of people who have been infected before outbreaks were identified. 

Today Dr. Hinshaw offered clarification on mass gathering restrictions over the summer. The current restrictions of no more than 15 will apply this summer, meaning summer festivals and events in Alberta will be cancelled. These restrictions are for the foreseeable future; right now they cannot say whether restrictions will be in place for the fall.  

Albertans are prohibited from attending any summer events that will violate the current public health mandates.  

"I know this is incredibly disappointing. We all look forward to summer as a time where we can slow down, take time with friends and families, and enjoy the variety of summer festivals that are such a hallmark of Alberta culture. This virus has taken many things from us, and this is one more loss to absorb. I don’t minimize that impact," says Dr. Hinshaw.

Dr. Hinshaw is recommending that Albertans do not travel to their summer homes right now to limit movement throughout the province. This may change over the summer if restrictions are able to be eased.  

For summer activities, Dr. Hinshaw recommends Albertans go for walks, bike rides, parks, and work community gardens where social distancing can be practiced. 

"Albertans are an incredibly creative group of people, and we cannot provide a specific order or advice for every possible activity under the sun. I would ask all Albertans to use their common sense, and apply these public health measures to whatever they are doing, inside or out."

AHS is in the final testing phase for an app that will help to trace the spread of the virus. Albertans will be able to download the app in the coming weeks on a voluntary basis. It uses Bluetooth to note if you have come in contact with someone infected with COVID-19. It does not track people geographically.  

Similar apps have been used effectively in Singapore and South Korea. It should make tracking the virus more efficient.  

"I want to wrap up by reminding everyone that we are each other’s best defence. In the face of a pandemic like COVID, equipment and technology are essential, but so is community and kindness. We have come so far together, and we can stay the course if we lean on each other. With solidarity, generosity and community, we will overcome this together."

Watch the full update here: