In today’s COVID-19 update, Dr. Hinshaw reported 6893 recoveries from the virus. 

Of nearly 7000 tests processed in the last 24 hours, 48 new cases were identified. Currently, 38 people are in the hospital with seven of these in intensive care. 

There have been no new cases or recoveries in the City and County of Grande Prairie. 

There have been no new deaths. Dr. Hinshaw noted that of our 151 deaths, the people ranged in age from 27 to 105 and many had underlying conditions. A small number of them did not. No matter their age or the circumstances, Dr. Hinshaw says that they will be dearly missed and we are continuing to work collectively to prevent these tragedies. 

Dr. Hinshaw says there have been a variety of reactions to Alberta lifting restrictions, one of these being fear and anxiety. It is no secret that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on mental health. In a National survey by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health released today, one in five Canadians reported experiencing mild to severe anxiety in the last few weeks. While this is a decrease from the peak, many are still struggling with mental health.  

Dr. Hinshaw notes that living with uncertainty is one of the hardest things we can do and it’s something we have learned to deal with during this time. 

She reminds Albertans that we need to care for our physical, emotional and mental health, and that anxiety and fear are normal mechanisms that help keep us safe. Sleeping well, connecting safely with loved ones, exercising and meditating are practices Hinshaw suggests to help with mental health. She says following public health guidelines can also help us increase our feelings of being in control.

"The challenge is to maintain checks and balances on the level of worry, by anchoring to facts and knowing that, collectively, we have the ability to create safe and thriving communities."

There are supports are available including Text4Hope. These are free daily messages that can be subscribed to by texting COVID19HOPE to 393939. The mental health help line is available at 1-877-303-2642 toll free and counselling can be accessed in your local community through AHS. 

Dr. Hinshaw says the spread of virus relatively stable still and the onus is on all Albertans to continue to keep each other safe. This means understanding guidelines and the importance of following them. All the different restrictions in different scenarios and settings is a lot of information. Dr. Hinshaw urges Albertans to take leadership and help each other remember them.  

Albertans can use #AlbertaCares to share good news stories to encourage everyone in this time. 

Watch the full update here: