Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province’s chief medical officer of health, reported that 319 new cases of COVID-19 were identified over the last 24 hours, marking the second consecutive day that the province has announced a record surge.
The update increases the province’s total to 3,720, which includes 1,357 recoveries.
Hinshaw also reported two more deaths in Brooks, Atla., increasing their death toll to 68.
One of the new cases is a worker from Sofia Foods in the Calgary zone, but it’s not being considered an outbreak since only one employee has tested positive, says Hinshaw.
The Cargill meat processing plant in High River now has 480 infections of COVID-19 among workers, an increase of 40 since yesterday. JBS Foods near Brooks, Alta., another meat processing plant, has reported 124 cases, an increase of 28.
“A single case can spread like wildfire,” Hinshaw said.
Among long-term care facilities, health officials have identified 390 cases. As of April 23, 117,835 people have been tested for COVID-19.
The province’s chief medical officer of health announced that mass gathering restrictions will continue for all summer events and festivals, including the Calgary Stampede. Under the current guidelines, gatherings of more than 15 people are prohibited.
