100 RMWB residents recovered from COVID-19 to date

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 novel coronavirus was engineered in a lab using HIV. Stem cells are a potent weapon against the new pandemic. People with blood type A are more susceptible to COVID-19. None of these "discoveries" have been proven. But all have been widely disseminated. They're examples of what many scientists are beginning to fear has happened to the traditional safeguards against bad science under the pressing need for answers to the wave of sickness sweeping the globe. THE CANADIAN PRESS/NIAID-RML via AP

Alberta reported two new cases and two recoveries of COVID-19 in Wood Buffalo.

Despite adding a single new case of COVID-19, the region’s rural hamlets have two newly recovered cases.

There are eight active cases and 44 recoveries outside the urban service area.

Fort McMurray now has five active cases and 56 recoveries.

RELATED: COVID-19 cases in RMWB rural hamlets return to single digits

In the last 24 hours, there are 113 new cases of the infection, five more deaths, and 130 recovered cases across Alberta.

Alberta Health officials linked all five deaths to the Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre in Edmonton.

To date, 21 Albertans linked to clinic died of COVID-19.

Dr Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, retracted a July 27 statement saying AHS took over daily operation of the centre.

She admitted this was due to a miscommunication among staff.

AHS said support for the Good Samaritan will continue.

Alberta has 1408 active cases, 195 deaths, and 9113 resolved cases.

91 Albertans are in hospital with COVID-19, including 18 in intensive care.

Expanded COVID-19 testing

Hinshaw also announced a pilot program with Alberta’s pharmacies was successful.

The province plans to expand testing for COVID-19.

Pharmacies may volunteer to enrol in the expanded program.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro said community pharmacies can safely provide easy access to testing.

“Alberta continues to expand its testing capacity and maintain one of the highest testing rates in the world. Strong COVID-19 testing is a key part of our relaunch strategy and will help us continue to protect Albertans from this virus in the days ahead.”

The Medicine Shoppe in Timberlea is one of 20 pharmacies in Alberta that participated in the pilot.

RELATED: Local pharmacy participating in COVID-19 pilot program

Hinshaw said there are links between stages in Alberta Relaunch and hospitalization rates.

She added there are connections between the recent spike in new cases and Canada Day celebrations.

Hinshaw encouraged all Albertans to maintain physical distancing practices and stay home if not feeling well this weekend.

To date, Alberta Health officials completed 676,913 tests for COVID-19.