Two more Albertans have died due to the COVID-19 virus.
A Friday (May 22) press release from the province reported that a total of 134 Albertans have died from the virus and 5,801 have recovered.
Hospitalization rates, a key factor in the Alberta Economic Relaunch, remain low with 54 people in hospitals due to the virus, six of whom have been admitted to intensive care units.
There have been 32 new cases identified bringing the total number of active COVID-19 cases in the province to 865.
A total of 209,412 Albertans have been tested and labs have performed 228,793 tests. The release said 3,205 tests have been completed in the last 24 hours.
The significant decline in the number of active COVID-19 cases in Calgary and Brooks will allow both cities to reopen more businesses starting on May 25 and begin Stage One of the provincial economic relaunch.
Albertans are encouraged to practise good hygiene, including washing hands regularly, coughing or sneezing into the elbow or sleeve and disposing of tissues safely to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Anyone displaying symptoms of the virus, including, fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and fever are eligible for testing. To gain access to testing visit the online COVID-19 self-assessment tool.
The province announced starting on May 25 some Albertans will be able to access additional health services that include voluntary testing for asymptomatic staff and residents in long-term care and some designated supportive living facilities.
Non-urgent surgeries and procedures that require hospital stays are also set to resume, along with maternity services at the South Calgary Campus and High River on June 3.
The next update from Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw will be held on May 25.
