Alberta's active cases of COVID-19 continue to drop according to Friday's update.

Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr Deena Hinshaw announced 328 active cases of the virus with no new deaths to report holding the number of deaths in Alberta to 146.

Even though testing numbers are at an all time high with AHS performing 6,455 tests in the past 24 hours, new COVID-19 case numbers in Alberta have hit the single digits for the first time since March 12th with seven new cases reported.

Dr. Hinshaw announced new rules for visitation pertaining to Albertans with loved ones in hospital.

"For all patients in both acute out-patient and in-patient settings, these revised guidelines expand the allowance of some visitation while maintaining specific criteria intended to protect patients, residents, volunteers and staff." said Hinshaw.

She specified the new guidelines apply to hospital patients only.

"I want to be clear these guidelines apply to hospital settings only. The existing standards and rules for continuing care remain in effect." explained Hinshaw.

Dr. Hinshaw reported 44 patients remain in hospital with six in ICU.

Although the numbers are encouraging, Dr Hinshaw advised all Albertans to get a test for COVID-19 even if they are not presenting symptoms and she reminds those feeling sick to stay home and get tested.

According to the province's geospatial data, two active cases remain in "Okotoks-Priddis," with 164 recoveries and one death.

The same data shows three active cases in "High River," with 534 recoveries and seven deaths.

Dr. Hinshaw was encouraged by continued decrease in new active cases despite the increase in testing, however AHS is monitoring the situation closely following recent protests which attracted large numbers of people.

 

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

To view the conference, click here.

 

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email news@okotoksonline.com