Update 98: COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta (June 25 at 6 p.m.)
Hospitalization rates remain low with 38 people in hospital, eight of whom are in intensive care. In total, 7,191 Albertans have recovered from COVID-19.
Latest updates
26 new cases bring the number of total active cases to 506.
Cases have been identified in all zones across the province:
Calgary zone: 207 active cases and 4,919 recovered
South zone: 23 active cases and 1,258 recovered
Edmonton zone: 237 active cases and 673 recovered
North zone: 33 active cases and 243 recovered
Central zone: three active cases and 86 recovered
Three active cases and 12 recovered cases in zones to be confirmed
Additional information, including case totals, is online.
To date, 743 cases have an unknown exposure.
So far, labs have performed 415,716 tests on 367,935 Albertans, with 6,363 tests completed in the last 24 hours.
There is one new death to report.
Total number of deaths is 154: 112 in the Calgary zone; 16 in the North zone; 15 in the Edmonton zone; 10 in the South zone; and one in the Central zone.
There are 22 active cases and 723 recovered cases at continuing care facilities; 117 facility residents have died.
Note: Updated data will be posted online daily.
Stage two of relaunch underway
Stage two of Alberta’s relaunch strategy is underway.
More businesses, sport and recreation services are open. Some larger gatherings are permitted.
Public health guidance must be followed.
Stage three depends on success in stage two, determined by: active case numbers, infection rates, health-care system capacity based on numbers in hospital and intensive care.
The relaunch status map shows the level of risk in regions and information about local health measures. It also shows the rate of COVID-19 cases and the number of active cases.
Asymptomatic testing at community pharmacies
Participating community pharmacies will soon offer testing to Albertans without symptoms and no known exposure to COVID-19, making it easier to access testing and help stop the spread.
At first, the number of pharmacies offering testing is limited. People should call their pharmacy to find out if it offers testing, and to book a test.
Serology testing to track the spread
Alberta is investing $10 million in voluntary serology testing for targeted groups for past exposure.
This will help measure the virus spread among people who never felt sick, or didn’t report it.
The Alberta Biz Connect web page has health and safety guidelines for general workplaces and specific industry sectors. Businesses are encouraged to check for new and updated guidance documents.
A template on the website can help businesses plan how to protect employees and patrons from infection. Completing the template is voluntary.
Albertans downloading tracer app
The ABTraceTogether app enhances manual contact tracing and capacity, and facilitates early detection. It means Albertans will be contacted more quickly if they are at risk.
Use of the app is voluntary; users must opt in. The app currently has 216,280 registered users.
Privacy is protected. The app does not track a user’s physical location or use GPS. All contact data is only on the user’s phone and is deleted after 21 days.
Secure contact tracing is a cornerstone of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy.
Mental health supports
Confidential supports are available to help with mental health concerns. The Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 and the Addiction Help Line at 1-866-332-2322 operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Canadian Mental Health Association has resources at mentalhealthweek.ca.
The Kids Help Phone is available 24-7 and offers professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people by texting CONNECT to 686868.
Online resources provide advice on handling stressful situations and ways to talk with children.
Family violence prevention
A 24-hour Family Violence Information Line at 310-1818 provides anonymous help in more than 170 languages.
Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence is available at 1-866-403-8000, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
People fleeing family violence can call local police or the nearest RCMP detachment to apply for an Emergency Protection Order. The requirement for in-person applications is temporarily suspended.
Information sheets and other resources on family violence prevention are at alberta.ca/COVID19.
Quick facts
Good hygiene is the most important measure to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, and dispose of tissues appropriately.
Albertans are asked to share acts of kindness they have experienced in their community during this difficult time by using the hashtag #AlbertaCares.
The Alberta Connects Contact Centre (310-4455) is available to Albertans Monday to Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
