For the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak in Alberta in mid-March, recovered cases outpace new cases – the same day that Premier Jason Kenney also announced a phased approach to gradually allow businesses and other offices to re-open.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, said she was “pleased to report” that recovered cases in Alberta have increased to 2,161. To put that number in perspective: there have been 361 recovered cases within a 24-hour reporting cycle where 190 new cases were identified.
Total cases are currently at 5,355, leaving active cases at 3,194.
Cases in continuing care facilities across the province have continued their upswing, rising to 544 – 41 more from the last report.
Three coronavirus-related deaths were also reported. Provincial total for deaths is at 89, with Dr. Hinshaw ruling out an earlier death as unrelated to COVID-19.
“We cannot let up on outbreak control, but we can celebrate what we have accomplished,” Dr. Hinshaw said. “I want to thank all Albertans for their collective sacrifices that have helped us get to where we are today.”
She reiterated her earlier statement that “our fight is far from over,” adding that “today is the beginning of our next phase of protecting each other,” referring to Alberta’s safely staged COVID-19 relaunch.
“I’m confident Albertans will approach relaunch with the same adaptability and resilience they have shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We will move forward together with care and common sense, knowing tough times are still ahead. We will support and protect vulnerable Albertans and keep them safe as we build our province back up one stage at a time,” Kenney said.
For a complete list of services permitted to re-open, click here.