56 new COVID-19 cases in Alberta and two additional deaths

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – Two more people in Alberta have died due to COVID-19.

The most recent deaths include a woman in her 60s, who was linked to the outbreak at Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre–making hers the 25th death at that centre–and a woman in her 80s from the Central Zone who was not linked to any continuing care facilities.

These deaths bring the total number in the province to 205. In Thursday’s daily provincial update, Dr. Deena Hinshaw also confirmed 56 new cases of the virus for a total of 1,107 active cases.

In the last 24 hours, almost 8,000 tests were conducted.

Seventy-six people are in hospital with 19 of those in the ICU.

NEW:

– 56 new COVID cases in Alberta
– 2 more deaths, now up to 205
– 76 in hospital (+1), 19 of those in ICU (-1_
– 1,107 active cases (-39)#yeg #Yyc #ableg #covid19ab pic.twitter.com/5kAJmHOBOE

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) August 6, 2020

As of Thursday afternoon, 9,984 Albertans have recovered from COVID-19.

Following the new numbers, Hinshaw says Albertans need to continue with proper health practices such as frequent hand washing, sanitizing, and social distancing to help limit the spread.

Alberta has seen a jump in cases in recent weeks.“The hard truth is that we will likely still be fighting COVID-19 in 2021, so we do need to build good daily habits now,” said Hinshaw.

Hinshaw is also asking everyone to get a face mask if you do not already have one. If you are planning on going out, make sure that you are feeling well before you head out and Hinshaw says to carry hand sanitizer with you.

It has been six months since the virus was first detected in Alberta and Hinshaw says we are not out of the woods yet.

“We have come far since March, but the basic health measures required to limit the spread remain the same.”

Taking a second to speak on the province’s relaunch strategy, specifically Stage 3, Hinshaw said no decisions have been made on when the province will move into the third stage.

What about stage 3?

Hinshaw says no decisions have been made on that, but they are looking into what that might look like.

Says school re-opening will be a big part of determining that. #yeg #yyc #ableg #covid19ab

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) August 6, 2020

Schools reopening in the fall will play a big part in determining what steps the province will take next.

The next live COVID-19 update will be on Monday.