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81 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, two new deaths

Last Updated Apr 14, 2020 at 6:13 am MDT

Summary

81 new cases of COVID-19, two new deaths in the Calgary Zone

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – An additional 81 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Alberta.

In an announcement Monday, Alberta Chief Officer of Health Deena Hinshaw announced that Alberta now has a total of 1,732 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Hinshaw also announced two new deaths as a result of the virus, one of which was in the Carewest Sarcee Continuing Care Facility and the other also confirmed to be in the Calgary zone.

“This is a difficult time. The loss of these lives is a reminder of why we are taking the measures that are implemented now. Preventing the spread prevents death.”

Of the 1,732 cases, 877 have recovered, 54 more than the day prior.

In addition, 254 are suspected to be the cause of community transmission.

To further halt the possible spread of COVID-19, Hinshaw announced the expansion of the testing pool for the province.

Until recently, only those at high risk of the virus and those working in certain sectors were able to get tested.

Then, testing was opened up to all those in the Calgary zone experiencing symptoms of the virus.

Now that the lab has increased the capacity for testing once more, Hinshaw said all Albertans who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can be tested.

However, that doesn’t mean the first step must be testing.

“It’s extremely important to not just complete as many tests as we can, but that we are also purposeful in our testing,” said Hinshaw.

The number one rule is still to stay home if you’re sick and complete the AHS online assessment form before being tested.

Alberta has completed 77,007 tests so far — 2,465 of them in the past 24 hours — and Hinshaw said if capacity cannot handle the increased numbers, they will once again limit those being tested.

“Having said that, as long as we maintain our testing and lab capacity, it is my hope that we can continue to offer this broad access to testing.

”With the number of tests being conducted rises, Hinshaw said so too would the number of positive cases.

“I know seeing this increase in numbers may be a concern to some. But it’s important to remember that the number of daily confirmed cases as a per cent of the tests done every day has remained approximately similar for the past several weeks.”

Around two per cent of tests taken return positive, a rate that has remained relatively stable.