In today’s COVID-19 update, Dr. Hinshaw reported 5979 recoveries in Alberta and 762 active cases. 

Of these, 45 individuals are in hospital with five in intensive care.  

Of 3010 tests in the last 24 hours, 19 cases were identified. There have been three more deaths in the province.  

There have been no new cases identified in the City or County of Grande Prairie. There are two active and four recovered in the County and three active and three recovered in the City.  

Dr. Hinshaw says government has been working to meet the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) across the province in the context of a global shortage. They have been able to supply our hospitals and first responders and help other groups meet their PPE needs including non-profit groups and businesses. 

As more companies are creating PPE, it is easier to get on the open market. Having PPE is essential during relaunch to protect our vulnerable groups. 

As the government changes their distribution process, key groups will have priority. These are those who have the highest risk of exposure to COVID-19. Publicly funded or contracted groups will continue to receive PPE at no additional cost. These include Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Covenant Health Care workers, first responders, homeless shelter workers and those in publicly funded seniors care facilities.  

Private organizations who do not have other sources can continue to get their PPE from the government until June 30 at a fair market price. After June 30, they will have to find a different supplier. 

M95 masks will be supplied to dentists for emergency surgeries and morticians for embalming at a fee for the duration of global shortage. 

Dr. Hinshaw says they did not make these decisions lightly and they are in line with other jurisdictions in the country including B.C., Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.  

Dr. Hinshaw assures Albertans that we are not running out of PPE, but we need to have a long-term plan in place as we relaunch. The plan is flexible and if there is a short-term emergency, such as something affecting food security, an organization can request PPE through the government.  

This does not change Premier Kenney’s promise to provide PPE to public and more information on that will be released soon. 

Watch the full update here: