Alberta reported two new active cases of COVID-19 in the RMWB.
Both are within Fort McMurray’s urban service area, which has four recovered cases.
There are also two active cases in Wood Buffalo’s rural areas.
There are currently 1732 presumptive or confirmed cases in Alberta with 81 new ones reported.
Dr Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, also reported two new deaths to bring that total to 46.
She said 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.”
The deaths occurred in Calgary Zone, including one from the Carewest Sarcee Continuing Care Facility.
On the positive side, Alberta Health is reporting 877 people have recovered from the virus in the province, which is up 54 from yesterday.
254 cases may be a result of community transmission.
New Alberta COVID-19 numbers:
– 81 new cases (up to 1732 total)
– 2 new deaths (up to 46)
– 877 recovered
-254 community transmitted cases#yeg #yyc #ableg— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) April 13, 2020
Yesterday, for the first time since the pandemic was announced, that number was higher than the current number of active cases.
READ MORE: 823 COVID-19 recoveries in Alberta with 77,316 tests completed
Hinshaw announced AHS would expand its testing.
Previously, Albertans at high-risk and those working in critical sectors would receive testing.
Hinshaw said this is due to the increase in capacity.
“Effective immediately, we are expanding eligibility for testing to anyone in Alberta who has a fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat. If you have any of these COVID-19 symptoms, it is important to remember the critical first step: Stay home, if you’re sick.”
She said Albertans should next complete the AHS Online Assessment Form to book a test.
Those who complete the form do not need to call 811.
According to the government of Alberta, AHS tested 77,007 residents for COVID-19.
Hinshaw said the number of positive cases would rise as the number of conducted tests also rises
“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.”
To date, the cumulative positivity rate for COVID-19 in Alberta is 2.02 per cent.
Last week, the province released models showing the pandemic could peak by mid-May with as many as 800,000 infections by the end of summer.
