Another COVID-19 update has been provided by the Alberta Provincial Government.

10 new cases have been detected in the last 24 hours, bringing the provincial total up to 39.

Of these new cases, six are in the Calgary Zone, and four are in the Edmonton Zone.

Two individuals in their 60's are currently in intensive care.

Dr. Deena Hinsaw expressed the importance of remaining calm as the situation around COVID-19 progresses.

"I know many Albertans may be alarmed at the increasing number of cases in Alberta. As I've said before, we need to get used to a new normal. The reality is, we can expect cases of COVID-19 to continue in Alberta and around Canada for months. We have taken aggressive measures to limit the acceleration of spread, but we will not be able to completely stop it."

She also encouraged Albertans to remain vigilant, and to help each other out by practicing good hygiene, social distancing, and self isolating when feeling sick.

Hinshaw also made a point to address the recent announcement that no school closure will be put in effect.

She says the decision was not made without considering all factors.

"I cannot emphasize enough the time and discussion that continues about this decision. If we do make the decision to close schools, it will be considering long term closure. This pandemic will not end in a matter of weeks, and there will not be a clear opportunity to reopen schools likely until September at the earliest."

She says she appreciates the decision from other provinces to close schools, but reinforced the decision of the Alberta government, citing Singapore as an example of a region that has successfully prevented the spread of the disease without closing schools.

She says she is still ready to consider closures of individual schools, districts, or all schools province-wide if need be.

"I want to assure all Albertans that their children’s safety is top of mind in all our decisions, and we are making the best public health decisions we can with the information we have, in this rapidly developing situation. We are prepared to make changes if and when the situation warrants it."

Hinshaw also announced the release of flight information of any flights where passengers may have been exposed to COVID-19, and asked Albertans to check the information and follow up as needed, as the individuals in question will not be contacted.

Travel guidelines were also emphasized for any individuals travelling back into the country after March 12th.

Finally, Hinshaw announced a change in daily reporting on COVID-19, with more aggregate reporting being posted online moving forward due to the increased number of cases.

For more information, click here.

To view the full conference, click here.

 

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