In a provincial update on COVID-19 Monday afternoon, it was announced that cases of the virus have now been confirmed in every health zone in Alberta.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health, stated that there were 18 new cases in the province in last 24 hours, making for a total of 74 confirmed cases.

Five are currently in hospital and remain in stable condition while all other cases are self-isolating at home and are expected to make a full recovery.

Two cases are said to be the result of community transmission.

Hinshaw appeared via video conference due to self-isolation. She stated she is experiencing mild symptoms consistent with the common cold, with no cough or fever, which she says she feels are not related to COVID-19. As such, she is self-isolating at her home by sleeping in a spare room, not eating meals with members of her family, and staying away 2 meters from others in her home.

Monday marked the first day of class cancellations across the province with teachers and other staff being encouraged to still go to school to plan education alternatives.

Privatized day homes can provide care for up to six children, not including their home, and are asked to provide extra sanitation efforts.

Parents are also asked to limit the number of play dates for their children.

According to Hinshaw, Canadian Blood Services is seeing a decline in blood donations due to the pandemic. She says it is safe to donate during the outbreak as the need for blood donations still remains strong.

For more information on COVID-19 from the Province, click here.