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UPDATE: 162 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, two more deaths.

Last Updated Apr 16, 2020 at 5:58 pm MDT

This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, NIAID-RML

Alberta reported 162 new cases of COVID-19 in the province, bringing the total to 2158.

That’s the highest single-day report from the province since the outbreak came to Alberta in early March.

A woman in her 80s from North Zone and a man in his 70s from Calgary Zone also died of COVID-19.

Those deaths bring the total in Alberta to 50.

Dr Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, announced an update on reporting from the Alberta Health Services data centre.

“Late Tuesday night, a power failure in our data centre caused a small electrical fire and brought down, unfortunately, our reporting system.”

Hinshaw said she appreciates the patience of Albertans as they work to resolve the issue, which limits reporting on the number of recoveries and breakdown of cases by zones.

As of April 14, 2020, there were three active cases of the virus in Fort McMurray and two active cases outside the urban service area.

Hinshaw also said AHS and officials at Kearl Lake continue working to limit the spread of COVID-19.

READ MORE: Alberta reports outbreak at Kearl Lake oil sands project

Alberta announced on April 15 that three workers tested positive for the virus and six more are in isolation.

Hinshaw also commented on the health risks of smoking, vaping, and alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said smoking and e-cigarettes expose the lungs to toxic chemicals.

“It is not yet clear whether these exposures increase the risk of catching COVID-19. However, they do increase the risk of severe illness for those who get infected.”

She added there is evidence quitting smoking or vaping, even temporarily, can have positive outcomes in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Hinshaw also suggested Albertans limit their alcohol consumption.

“Alcohol consumption can make many things worse, including health issues, risk-taking behaviours, mental health, and violence. All Albertans should be mindful of how much they’re drinking.”

She said women should limit consumption to two drinks per day, and men to three drinks per day.

Over the last 24 hours, Alberta conducted 2,779 tests to bring that total to 85,317.