In the past 24 hours, Alberta completed the highest number of daily COVID-19 tests to date and only a handful of cases were confirmed.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw confirmed seven new cases based on 6,455 test results. She says this is the lowest number of daily cases since March 12.

Recoveries continue to increase in Alberta, for a total of 6,624 so far. There are 328 remaining active cases.

As of Friday, there are 44 Albertans receiving treatment in hospital, including six in the ICU. No new deaths have been reported, so the total remains at 146.

Numbers in the City of Airdrie are unchanged, with three active case, 45 recoveries, and one death. Rocky View County also remains steady with two active cases and 42 recoveries.

"As we prepare to move into Stage Two of Alberta's relaunch and more activities in our society resume, we must continue our basic prevention measures to keep our numbers low," says Hinshaw. "Although we can expect to see some fluctuations in new infections and outbreaks, it is possible for us to collectively keep our numbers stable."

Hinshaw says a final decision is expected early next week on when Stage Two may be able to move forward, as well as what will be included in the next phase. Hinshaw says they will also be keeping a close eye on the potential impacts of protests that have been taking place this week throughout Alberta.

"The last thing we want is to go from seven new cases a day to 300 new cases a day, so we'll be watching not just protests but all activities to determine how we best continue to move forward and not back in our relaunch," she says.

There is some good news for Albertans who have been unable to visit loved ones in hospital. On Saturday, Alberta Health Services will be releasing updated visitation guidelines for all patients in both acute outpatient and inpatient settings.

"These revised guidelines expand the allowance of some visitation while maintaining specific criteria intended to protect patients, residents, volunteers, and staff," says Hinshaw.

Dr. Mark Joffe with AHS explains what will be permitted as of Saturday, June 5.

"For ambulatory care visits, an individual coming for care to an outpatient clinic can be accompanied by one support individual and for hospitalized inpatients, two designated support individuals can be identified so that they may visit at the same time."

Joffe says designated individuals will need to maintain physical distancing, undergo a health assessment to ensure they are healthy, wear a mask and potentially other personal protective equipment during visitation, and practice proper hand hygiene.

More information on the new visitation guidelines can be found at www.ahs.ca/visitation. Hinshaw says the existing standards and rules for continuing care facilities will remain in effect. 

 

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