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Province reports total of 10 new cases of COVID-19 across RMWB

Last Updated Jun 28, 2020 at 8:10 pm MDT

This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the virus that causes COVID-19. The sample was isolated from a patient in the U.S. Excitement about treating the new coronavirus with malaria drugs is raising hopes, but the evidence that they may help is thin. (NIAID-RML via AP)

EDIT: A previous version listed the number of recoveries outside the urban service area over the 24-hour period at four when actually nine cases recovered.

Alberta said there are 10 new cases and 10 recoveries of COVID-19 in the region in the last 24 hours.

It stands as the largest single-day report for new cases of the illness in the RMWB since the start of the pandemic.

Fort McMurray recorded five new cases and one recovered case of COVID-19.

The five new cases within the urban service area equal the mark set in the daily report for June 24, 2020.

There are now 17 active cases and 30 recoveries, up from yesterday’s count of 29, in the urban service area.

Outside the urban service area, there are also five new cases, but nine recoveries from the virus.

COVID-19 cases in Wood Buffalo’s rural areas now stand at seven active and 12 resolved cases.

READ MORE: Fort McMurray welcomes report of more COVID-19 recoveries

Across the province, there are 69 new cases and no deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.

There are 520 active cases of COVID-19 with 42 Albertans in hospital, including eight in intensive care.

The death toll remains at 154, while 7283 Albertans recovered from COVID-19.

Protecting at-risk Albertans

Earlier this week, the government of Alberta reported an outbreak of COVID-19 at Fort McMurray’s Rotary House seniors lodge.

RELATED: Recoveries from COVID-19 increase in Fort McMurray

On June 23, health officials enacted outbreak measures and tested all residents and staff after identifying a single case of COVID-19 in the facility.

Premier Jason Kenney said everyone must act responsibly.

“Albertans have faced COVID-19 as they do any other obstacle – head-on, with grit and determination. Our government will continue providing unprecedented support for vulnerable groups. Simple actions save lives, so let’s keep doing out part.”

To date, 139 of the 154 deaths reported in the province were Albertans at least 70 years of age.

Despite Relaunch efforts and the lifting of the public health emergency on June 15, Health Minister Tyler Shandro said COVID-19 remains a threat.

“We are extending critical supports put in place to protect those most at risk, including residents in continuing care facilities.”

Alberta provided additional funding of $14.2-million per month, on top of the $170-million total, to long-term, supportive living facilities, and seniors lodges.

“By taking simple, everyday actions, we can help limit the spread, particularly to those most at risk of COVID-19,” Said Dr Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health, “Every time we step out the door, we should ask ourselves: ‘Who am I protecting today?'”

According to the 2020 Budget, $500-million in additional funds would support Alberta’s healthcare system during the pandemic.