During yesterday's COVID-19 update, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced 315 new cases, bringing the provincial total to 5165.

These additional cases were identified following 5205 tests being administered in the last 24 hours.

There have been no new cases identified in the Grande Prairie area. 

Seven additional deaths were confirmed, bringing the total to 87.

All seven individuals were residents of long term care facilities in Calgary.

1953 recoveries have been confirmed.

Dr. Hinshaw provided an update on the Cargill Plant, with 821 cases confirmed among employees.

The plant is set to re-open on Monday, with new health measures in place.

During the conference, Dr. Hinshaw discussed public health orders being implemented in the province's continuing care facilities.

Anyone with even mild symptoms, including muscle aches or a hoarse voice must be tested and isolated until results are confirmed. All residents in a unit are also being tested if a case of COVID-19 is confirmed within the unit.

Staff members caring for isolated residents are now required to wear eye protections along with the already required protective equipment.

Dr. Hinshaw addressed the perpetuated feeling of isolation these and other measures may be causing, and announced some orders to improve residents' quality of life.

Residents of these facilities who are not in isolation can now engage in outdoor visits with a designated essential visitor and one other person.

For more information on COVID-19 in Alberta, click here.

To view the conference, click here.