July 2nd update: 2 active cases in Red Deer, CA numbers still low

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced on July 2nd that she will be taking some time off to recharge and to manage her mental health and be with family. 

She said this kind of action is needed for all of us as we continue to cope with the mental health side effects of the pandemic. 

As well, as residents look towards the possibility of Edmonton co-hosting this year's Stanley Cup "playoffs", Dr. Hinshaw said they are working to ensure that public risk would be minimized and the spread of the virus contained. 

"I do not have any news as to whether Edmonton has been chosen, but if it is, I want to assure you all that safety remains our top priority. This spring, we developed guidelines for professional sporting tournaments to support safety for players, NHL staff and media and to minimize any risk of the virus spreading to the general public," she said in Thursday's COVID-19 Update. 

She said there would have to be extensive private testing and co-horting among participants. She said public testing for free would not be impacted or reduced at all if this becomes the reality. 

Dr. Hinshaw also said this time provides specific challenges for Albertans living with disabilities, and announced "a toll-free rehabilitation phone line with information on activities and exercises to support physical function and to manage daily activities". It also will connect people to in-person or virtual rehabilitation services and other community services. 

With Canada Day, the Province did not share testing results, so the results presented on July 2nd represent data from both June 30th and July 1st. 

The next COVID-19 update availability and case number update will be on Thursday, July 2nd.

July 2 new case numbers (including information from June 30/July1):

• 94 new cases of the virus (30 on June 30th and 64 on July 1st)
• 542 active cases in Alberta
• 44 people are hospitalized with COVID-19
• 8 people have been admitted to ICU’s with COVID-19
• 7,505 total recovered cases
• 1 new death in the last 48 hours
• 155 total deaths from the virus
• 464,070 tests have been performed in total 

Central Alberta shows the following case numbers, available at alberta.ca:

 **Regional classification determines what restrictions are applicable to an area. 

Enhanced: Additional measures in place. 

Watch: Above the threshold but no additional measures.

Open: No additional measures.