June 19th AB COVID-19 update: Hinshaw addresses provincial increase of cases

During the June 19th COVID-19 update, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw addressed the recent increase in cases throughout the province. 

“On Friday, June 5th, we had 339 active cases in the province. Today, we have 512 active cases with many of these occurring in the Edmonton and North Zones. We have about 173 more active cases then there were two weeks ago,” explained Hinshaw. 

However, the doctor noted that the increase in cases was expected. 

“We did expect to potentially see an increase of cases during stage two as more Albertans began interacting in their communities,” said Hinshaw. 

At this time, the doctor sees no reason for concern regarding the increase in cases. 

“The recent data also shows some positive trends. For example, most of the active cases in Alberta right now are from a known source. That’s positive as it means we can stop the spread faster. There are also now only 26 active cases in continuing care facilities with more than 708 recovered cases across the province,” said Hinshaw. 

Of course, with an increase in cases, the doctor reiterated the importance of distancing, and wearing a mask when distancing is not possible. She noted several instances where gatherings have resulted in the spread of the virus.  

“The bottom line is that anywhere where people are gathered together not distanced or wearing face masks, COVID-19 can easily pass from one person to the next,” said Hinshaw. 

As many workplaces open up offices and create new protocols to ensure the safety of their staff members, the doctor hopes that they consider how distancing and masks will be in use in their buildings to prevent the spread of the virus.

The next COVID-19 update availability with Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw will be on Tuesday, June 23rd.  

June 19th new case numbers:

• 46 new cases of the virus
• 512 active cases in Alberta
• 39 people are hospitalized with COVID-19
• 6 people have been admitted to ICU’s with COVID-19
• 6,961 total recovered cases
• 0 new deaths in the last 24 hours
• 152 total deaths from the virus
• 373,724 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.