Alberta Premier Jason Kenney addressed the province this evening regarding COVID-19 in Alberta.

Tonight's briefing was different than previous ones, however, as Kenney not only provided the latest numbers, but also revealed the province's projection models.

As of this evening, 1373 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the province.

42 Albertans have been hospitalized, and 26 deaths have been confirmed.

Though Alberta has the second highest rate of confirmed infections per-capita, Kenney attributed it to Alberta's testing rate, which he says is one of the highest in the world.

He also highlighted Alberta's low rate of hospitalization, which is markedly lower than that of Ontario, Quebec and BC.

The Premier likened Alberta's "curve" of infections to countries that successfully fended the virus off, namely South Korea.

According to the provincial government's models however, the fight isn't over yet.

Premier Kenney revealed two models: a "Probable" scenario, and an "Elevated" scenario.

The former projects Alberta's infections to peak in May, with 800,000 infections and 400-3100 deaths by the end of the summer.

Alberta's "Elevated" scenario would see up to one million infections and between 500 and 6600 deaths during the same time period.

Kenney says these figures are just projected models, and urged Albertans to view them as "Perhaps the greatest challenge of our generation."

He stressed the importance of social distancing, respect for public health measures, and proper hygienic practices, without which Alberta may have seen 1.6 million infections and 32,000 deaths, according to medical experts.

Premier Kenney also spoke of Alberta's financial strain, and the plans in place for a recovery in that regard.

Health measures will likely remain in place until the end of April at least, with models indicating that social distancing will have to be practiced until the end of May.

A "Relaunch Strategy" will be implemented once health measured have loosened.

The province will monitor countries who have managed to preserve their economies, such as Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea, in order to emulate their successes.

The strategy will involve mass testing (as many as 20,000 a day) in order to get Albertans back to work quickly, a bigger emphasis on contact tracing, stronger border screening, strictly enforced quarantine orders, and the use of face masks in densely packed public areas.

Kenney warned Albertans of the harsh economic implications of the pandemic, which are likely to last long after it's ended.

According to the Premier, the deficit may drop from $7 billion to almost $20 billion, which is likely to lead to a "great fiscal reckoning."

An Economic Recovery Council has been appointed, in order to lead the province to a "stronger, more diversified economy."

Finally, Kenney addressed Alberta's "culture of resilience," highlighting Albertans' courage and generosity that has emerged through the pandemic.

"We will get through this storm, together."