Two deaths, 216 new known cases of coronavirus confirmed in Alberta

In a Monday press conference, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Denna Hinshaw said the province has seen 216 new known cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours.

This brings the province’s known total to 4,696.

She noted that there have also been two new deaths in the province, resulting in a total of 75.

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Hinshaw also stated that there are currently 87 Albertans in hospital as a result of coronavirus, and 20 in intensive care.

There are now 458 detected cases at the province’s continuing care centres, which have been hit hard by outbreaks and coronavirus-related deaths.

It was also announced that four cases have been detected in Alberta’s homeless population, and there were 13 found in an outbreak at the Bearspaw First Nation.

“I know Albertans are tired of staying home. I know we all need to feel like we can see the end of this restriction, especially as the weather gets nicer and we all want to be outside,” Hinshaw said.

“We are planning how we can move towards easing restrictions in a way that does not rapidly increase the risk of transmission, with more ICU admissions and deaths.”

She said that, as long as you are not sick or a close contact of a confirmed case, you are still allowed to go out, see friends, and enjoy the sunshine.

“[You] can be outside with a small number of friends as long as you stay at least two metres away from each other and you don’t share food or drink,” Hinshaw said.

“We will get through this, there will be an easing of restrictions when it is safe to do so. Please stay the course, and protect your friends, family, and neighbours as they are protecting you.”