Just two Airdronians are currently ill with COVID-19 according to the most up to date stats.

Since the outbreak started, 44 people in Airdrie have recovered from the virus and one person has passed away. In Rocky View County, 41 people have recovered and three cases remain active.

Across Alberta, 6,218 people have recovered from COVID-19 so far. 616 cases remain active and 143 people have died. Hospitalizations have increased to 55, with four receiving treatment in ICU.

Based on 3,754 test results from the past 24 hours, 24 new cases were identified. To date, Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the province has conducted more than 250,000 tests for COVID-19.

She says the daily numbers have ranged between 2,000-4,000 over the past few weeks and that there is capacity to conduct more testing. Therefore, effective immediately, testing will be expanded to include anyone in Alberta with symptoms of COVID-19 or not.

"This will help provide data to further understand the impacts of moving to Stage Two of Alberta's Relaunch Strategy," says Hinshaw. "Expanded testing will also help us understand where there might be undetected positive cases, and therefore prevent further spread of the virus."

Anyone who is worried that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 can complete the Online Assessment Tool and book an appointment for a test, even if they are asymptomatic. 

"Everyone who wants a test will be able to access one, but priority will continue to be given to symptomatic individuals and close contacts of known COVID cases," says Hinshaw, adding there is no restriction on the frequency in which people can access testing.

When it comes to sports, Hinshaw says organized sports events, games, and leagues present a high risk of transmission and are not yet permitted in Stage One.

"Non-contact outdoor activities can proceed, with measures in place to limit the risk of transmission," says Hinshaw. "Examples of such activities are running in physically distanced groups, singles tennis, and badminton or skateboarding. Activities like soccer, football, or martial arts are not permitted in Stage One unless organizers can modify practicing the components of these activities to meet public health orders and physical distancing requirements, such as a focus on individual drills rather than on team play."

New provincial guidance for organized outdoor sport, physical activity, and recreation can be found HERE.

Hinshaw says discussions will be taking place next week in regards to the timing of Stage Two of the relaunch.

 

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