By Alex McCuaig

Latest from Alberta Chief Medical Officer

Daily update from Alberta chief medical officer

Mar 17, 2020 | 3:50 PM

EDMONTON – There are now two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the South Zone and the total across the province sits at 97.

The province’s chief medical officer of health updated Albertans on the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the need for individuals to follow social distancing advice. Twenty-three additional cases have been confirmed since yesterday.

“We all have a responsibility to prevent the spread of this virus,” said Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health.

Based on the advice of Hinshaw, Premier Jason Kenney announced the province is now in a state of emergency earlier in the day.

Stricter measures have been put in place by the province. Among these are that mass gatherings are now limited to no more than 50 attendees, including at worship gatherings and family events such as weddings. Grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, and other essential services are not included in the new restrictions.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

4h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

6h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

22h ago

Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreational facilities and private entertainment facilities. Gyms, swimming pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres, libraries, children’s play centres, casinos, racing entertainment centres and bingo halls are all included on this list.

Restaurants are limited to 50 per cent capacity, up to a maximum of 50 people. Take out, delivery and drive-through service remain allowed. Licensed restaurants and bars have seen rules regarding selling liquor without food relaxed in an effort to keep businesses open.

Albertans are prohibited from attending buffet-style restaurants, though not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens and religious kitchens are exempt for the time being.

The government is providing $60 million to help social services organizations respond to critical front-line needs

Other measures include

• All provincial historic sites and the Provincial Archives will be closing March 17
• Upcoming expiry dates for Alberta drivers’ licences, vehicle registrations, other permits and certificates are being extended until May 15
• Until further notice, all Albertans are restricted from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are prohibited by law.
• Full and part-time employees can access 14 days of job-protected leave for the purpose of self-isolation related to COVID-19, retroactive to March 5
• The requirement to have worked for an employer for 90 days to access COVID-19 specific leave is no longer required

Hinshaw added that all scheduled and elective surgeries have now been cancelled as they prepare for a possible surge of patients.

Note: This story has been updated following the AHS update on March 17 that indicated three confirmed cases in the south zone. Global News is reporting there are just two.