In today’s Alberta COVID-19 update, Dr. Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer, announced 239 new cases in the province.

This is a large daily amount, but Dr. Hinshaw reminds us that with the expansion testing capacity and people being tested, the number will be larger. To date, 89,144 tests have been completed in the province.

Alberta’s current capacity for testing is 7,000 tests a day, with the goal being to expand that capacity to 20,000.

Locally, there have been two new cases identified in each the County and City of Grande Prairie. 

There have been 2397 cases confirmed in the province, 1124 of which are recovered. There are no new deaths today; the total remains at 50.

Of these cases, there are currently 60 people in hospital, 13 of whom have been admitted to intensive care units.

To date, 270 cases have been confirmed at continuing care facilities, and 32 residents at these facilities have died.

400 cases are suspected to be from community transmission with the source unknown.

There are now 358 cases linked to the meat-packing plant near High River. Many of these are from household transmission.

AHS announced today that they are taking over operation of the Manoir du Lac continuing care facility in McLennan. Dr. Hinshaw reported that there was not enough staff and they were working long hourse. Proper screening and use of PPE was not being implemented. The residents were receiving inadequate care standards.

They are now testing all residents and staff in care homes whether they show symptoms or not. This will help with early identification, as people can spread the virus before showing symptoms. 

Watch the full update here: