Hinshaw announces 46 new cases, no new deaths from COVID-19

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CALGARY (660 NEWS) – In her latest Alberta COVID-19 update, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw confirmed 46 new cases of the virus.

In the last 24 hours, around 9,000 tests have been conducted, with 47 of those tests coming back positive.

Currently, there are 512 cases still active in the province, with 6,961 recovered.

Of the 512 cases, 36 are in hospital and six are in ICU.

There are no new deaths.

Hinshaw remarked that the province is now a week into stage 2 of the relaunch strategy and addressed the fact that there are more active cases now then there were two weeks ago.

Despite seeing an increase of 173 cases from two weeks ago, Hinshaw said this is to be expected as more Albertans get out and about.

She reminded the province that hospital rates have remained steady and are on a slight downward trend.

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She promised to continue to monitor the levels closely.

Hinshaw said that they have seen multiple positive trends in the province, despite the higher active cases level.

One such trend is that most of the active cases originated from a known source.

“That’s positive as it means we can stop the spread faster,” said Hinshaw.

Additionally, only 26 active cases of COVID-19 remain in continuing care facilities, with 708 recovered.No new outbreaks have been linked to any outdoor activities.

However, Hinshaw says we must remain vigilant. There are active cases in all age groups, and now the Edmonton Zone has nearly as many cases as the Calgary zone.

Most of the active cases are related to community settings, such as workplaces and funerals.

Hinshaw gave two funerals as an example, which resulted in a total of 24 new cases, with more Albertans being potentially exposed.

“This shows how easily the infection can spread.”

In these cases, social gatherings such as birthday parties and work meetings can result in the spread of the virus.

RELATED: Hinshaw recommends residents take summer vacation within the province

“The bottom line, (…) is that anywhere people are gathered together not distanced or wearing face masks, COVID-19 can easily pass from one person to the next.”

Even those who do not show active symptoms can spread the infection.

Hinshaw announced one new outbreak at the Materials Recover Facility in the Edmonton Waste Management Centre.

“It means that the virus is still here, and it is not going anywhere,” said Hinshaw.

“This is not the time for complacency. We are not out of the woods yet and will not be for quite some time.”

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