Today Dr. Deena Hinshaw reported 218 cases for a to-date total of 5573. Of these, 2359 have recovered. 

There have been three more deaths, all of these being at continuing care facilities. There have been total of 92 COVID-19 related deaths in the province. There are currently 580 cases in continuing care facilities with outbreaks. 

There has been a new outbreak identified at the Amazon Fulfilment Facility in Balzac. Fives cases have been identified, and it is not yet known if they have a common source. There has been a site inspection from the public health team. They found many preventative measures were already in place and made some recommendations to make measures more robust.  

There have been two more cases identified at Alpha house in Calgary. A rapid response outbreak team is in place. 

There is now a total of 921 cases connected with Cargil and 390 at the JBS plant in Brooks. 

Dr. Hinshaw shared some findings AHS has found in the fight against COVID-19. 

One of these is while those who are older are at the highest risk for severe cases, COVID-19 does not discriminate by age with who is infected. There have been cases in all age ranges.  

For symptoms, 62% of people with the virus reported having a cough, 33% reported sore throat, and 28% fever. 7.5% of all cases showed no symptoms at the point at which they were tested, based on testing asymptomic testing done in care facilities. 

It was found that those between the age of 30 and 64 who had at least one of several conditions were likely to have severe cases and be at greater risk of death. These are obesity, smoking, diabetes, cancer, immunodeficiencies, high blood pressure, and respiratory disease. Two thirds of hospitalized cases and almost three quarters of deaths had at least one of these conditions.  

Older age is the most significant factor for severe symptoms. Those over 65 are almost five times more likely to need hospital care or to die. 

The second most common factors have been immunodeficiencies and obesity. 

Dr. Hinshaw encourages Albertans again to watch for symptoms and go online and arrange for test if your symptoms show the need.  

She says to be mindful with what your body is telling you and be sure to stay home if you are sick. 

While many Albertans may be tired of hearing it, these remain to be our best practices.  

Watch the full update here: