EDMONTON — Alberta's medical officer of health says there is an increase of active COVID-19 cases in the Edmonton area linked to two private family gatherings.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the individuals at the gatherings got tested as soon as they felt symptoms, which she adds helped health officials trace and limit further spread of the virus.
She announced 34 new cases in the province and no new deaths.
There are currently 400 active cases in Alberta, with 44 in the Edmonton zone and 309 in the Calgary region.
Hinshaw says there are 53 people in hospital with the virus, and six of those are in intensive care.
(Below: Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, demonstrates how to use a non-medical mask.)
Since the pandemic started, Alberta has seen a total of 7,044 COVID-19 cases, 143 deaths and 6,501 people have recovered.
"Outbreaks ... linked to social gatherings are expected now that our gathering restrictions have been relaxed," Hinshaw said Monday during her COVID-19 briefing.
"I must stress that we have the ability to prevent such cases by continuing to follow public health measures when gathering."
She said people must still keep two metres apart and suggested they not share food or drinks with those outside their households.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2020
The Canadian Press
