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Kenney commends Alberta volunteer spirit in COVID-19 response

Last Updated Apr 22, 2020 at 5:59 pm MDT

Premier Jason Kenney providing provincial update to Albertans on apr 3.

There are no new cases of COVID-19 in the RMWB.

Seven active cases are in Fort McMurray’s urban service area.

Alberta reported 306 new cases of COVID-19 in the province, bringing the total to 3,401.

There are also reported five additional deaths to bring that total to 66.

Kearl Lake updated its case count to 32, which is an increase of 12 from yesterday, with ties to the plant.

Dr Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, previously said they would test all workers on-site.

25 cases are within Alberta, including 10 on-site in Kearl Lake’s isolation wing.

Seven cases are outside the province: Five in B.C., one in Saskatchewan, and one in Newfoundland and Labrador.

There are 150 cases in the North Zone, or four per cent of the provincial total, including 14 deaths.

Alberta Health Services also reported 1310 people have recovered from the virus in the province, which is an increase of 37 from yesterday.

The province believes 308 cases are from community transmission.

READ MORE: Three new COVID-19 cases in RMWB

Premier Jason Kenney urged Albertans to donate their time and volunteer to help others in their community.

“Volunteerism is the Alberta way. I continue to be inspired by many acts of Albertan generosity and compassion. From the Sikh community providing meals for truckers keeping our supply lines open, to a Calgary woman in her time of mourning sewing masks for her community, to kids leaving care packages on their elderly neighbours’ doorsteps – the examples of generosity and selflessness are endless.”

He said the province’s website can connect Albertans to volunteer organizations at work during this unprecedented time called Alberta Cares.

At least 1.6-million Albertans work in 26,400 non-profit organizations in Alberta every year.

They donate 262-million volunteer hours to support the social profit sector, valued at $5.6-billion.

Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women, said Albertans know the need for volunteerism is urgent.

“They have demonstrated their commitment to their neighbours and communities through selfless acts of service. The Alberta Cares Connecter will assist Albertans who want to help at this time by connecting them with local volunteer opportunities to help those most in need.

Kenney also announced the province would send 25 ventilators to Quebec.

Alberta Health Sciences completed 108,521 tests.

The cumulative and daily test positivity rate in Alberta is 2.71 per cent.