During Friday's COVID-19 update Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw reported Alberta’s COVID-19 hospitalization rates remain low with 80 people currently in hospital, 17 of whom are in intensive care.

In total, 4,020 Albertans have recovered from COVID-19 and Dr. Hinshaw stated sadly one more Albertan has died bringing the total number of deaths to 115.

Hinshaw announced after 3,232 tests in the last 24 hours, 81 new cases of the virus were detected and currently the number of active cases is 1,963.

Additional information, including the total number of cases, is reported online.

In an effort to remind Albertans of the importance of social distancing Dr. Hinshaw reiterated the physical distancing measures and emphasized the need for everyone to continue to adhere to those protocols as more people are making plans to get outside during the warmer weather.

Acknowledging the importance of outdoor activities, Dr. Hinshaw said golf courses and gun ranges have been allowed to open with special procedures in place to allow safe distance between participants and other safety protocols to ensure guidelines are met.

She said the Alberta relaunch strategy is planned to come into effect on May 14th and will allow selected outdoor camping facilities to open as long as guidelines are followed beginning on June 1st.

Dr. Hinshaw mentioned Albertans who have recreational summer homes or cabins within the province will be permitted to go to these places as long as they are in the province, but not if the summer cottage or cabin is outside of the province.

A news release issued by AHS reported the cases at continuing care facilities now sits at 678 confirmed cases at these facilities, with 84 deaths of residents.

Dr. Hinshaw also updated the situation at the provinces protein plants stating 95 active cases among workers from the Cargill meat processing plant in High River, and 849 have recovered.

She said there are 96 active cases among workers from JBS Foods Canada in Brooks, and 497 have recovered.

With 21 active cases being confirmed at Harmony Beef, and 16 individuals have recovered.

 

Updated information on outbreak locations in Alberta is available online.

To watch the news conference click here.

 

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