EDMONTON — Alberta is reporting a record-breaking 22 new deaths from COVID-19 on the first day of new province-wide measures meant to slow the spread of the virus.
The deaths occurred between Dec. 1 and Dec. 12, with the province explaining there can be delays in deaths being reported until post-mortems are completed.
Many were connected with outbreaks at care homes, but there was also a man in his 40s who died on Dec. 10, who the province says was connected with an outbreak at the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre northeast of the city.
A provincial news release says the case involved comorbidities.
A provincial official was unable to say if the man was an employee or an inmate, but the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees confirmed late last week that a correctional officer at the provincial jail died of COVID-19.
Alberta also reported 1,717 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, with 681 people in hospital and 136 of those receiving intensive care.
For the next four weeks in Alberta, restaurants and bars will be limited to takeout and delivery, and casinos, recreation centres, gyms, hair salons and spas must close.
Retail businesses will also be limited to 15 per cent capacity, down from 25.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2020.
The Canadian Press
