By Chris Brown

Virus is still with us

Hinshaw continues to urge vigilance as more COVID-19 cases are found in younger adults

Jun 12, 2020 | 3:48 PM

Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced 30 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta over the past 24 hours, and reminded Albertans that the virus is still with us.

There are 386 active cases in the province, and 6,811 Albertans have recovered. The total number of cases now sits at 7,346.

Two new cases were confirmed in the South Zone.

Medicine Hat is currently showing one active case and 35 recovered cases for a total of 36 cases.

In Brooks, the update shows 1,117 total cases — one active case and 1,107 recovered. There are nine deaths in Brooks.

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The South Zone has 21 active cases, 1,241 recovered cases and has recorded nine deaths.

“I know that many people are excited that Stage 2 has arrived, and that many others are wondering what this will mean for our province,” Hinshaw said. “It is important for all of us to remember that this virus is not gone. COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities and will do so for many months to come.”

She said with the increased opportunity for gatherings and activities comes the increased potential for exposure, noting recent weeks have seen more positive cases among the younger demographic.

“Sixty per cent of our currently active cases are under the age of 40 and we are seeing a particular increase in those between 20 and 29,” she said. “While you may not be at risk for severe outcomes of infection, your actions are critical to protecting those around you who are at higher risk.”

She added that to date no cases have been identified where attendance at a protest was determined to be the source, but reminded people to stay vigilant and urged any protest attendees to be tested.

The chief medical officer of health said there are 53 Albertans currently in hospital with COVID-19, six of whom are in the ICU. There were no new deaths to announce.

Hinshaw will provide her next in-person update on Monday.

On May 11, the province began putting a more detailed chart online for each zone.

Cypress County is showing zero active cases and 21 recovered, while the County of Newell is showing one active case and 19 recovered.

The County of Forty Mile and Municipal District of Taber each have two confirmed cases both listed as recovered.

Special Areas No. 2 has no cases on the map. There was previously one recovered case and one death attributed to the region.

The City of Lethbridge has 33 cases, five listed as active and 28 recovered. Lethbridge County has one case currently considered active.

Read the full June 12 update from the province here.