Premier Jason Kenney kicked off today's COVID-19 update with a number of announcements.

117 new cases were confirmed over the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 871.

According to Kenney, this large increase in cases was due to a large volume of tests, many of which were backlogged requests.

Over 4500 cases were completed in a 24 hours period, a record for the province.

98% of those tests were negative.

With rapid testing kits being delivered to the province within the next few days, the premier says the test rate will only rise.

Two more deaths were confirmed, bringing the provincial total up to 11.

142 recoveries have been confirmed, accounting for 16% of infections.

Kenney also let out a call to action in support of Alberta's truck drivers, thanking them for their continued work, and requesting restaurants make accommodations for the province's truckers to allow access to washrooms and easy access to drive-throughs.

Additionally, he announced the designation of municipal bylaws officers to enforce public health orders, as well as increased access to child care for essential workers, and plans to further provide support to renters.

To view the conference, click here.

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

 

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