Health officials in Alberta have identified 69 new cases in its latest 24-hour stretch, the most it’s reported since May 16.
The update increases its total case count to 7,957 since the start of the pandemic. With no new fatalities reported, the death toll stands at 154.
Fifty-eight more patients have recovered since Friday, Alberta announced. There are now 520 active cases in the province.
Of the recently identified cases, 17 of them are between the ages of 30 and 39, the most of any age group. There are also 12 patients between the ages of 20-29, and 15 between the ages of 40-49. Eleven cases involve people over the age of 50.
Of its 520 active cases, 138 of them are between 20-29 years old, the most of any age group. Edmonton has 228 active cases (down by 13 since Friday), while Calgary has 221 (up by 13).
There are now 42 people in hospital (up by five) including eight in intensive care.
Since the start of the pandemic, health officials in Alberta have completed 428,743 tests for COVID-19. Alberta’s chief medical officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw did not hold a press conference Saturday to explain the recent jump in cases.
Since June 12, Alberta has been in Stage 2 of its reopening plan. Hinshaw has previously linked the jump in cases the province has seen in recent weeks to gatherings such as at work places and events such as funerals.
“Every one of us acts as a shield that protects our friends, families and neighbours from this virus,” wrote Hinshaw in a press release Saturday.
“By taking simple, everyday actions, we can help limit the spread, particularly to those most at risk of COVID-19. Every time we step out the door, we should ask ourselves: ‘Who am I protecting today?’”
