COVID-19 cases surpass 4,000 in Alberta, four additional deaths

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Four more people have died from the coronavirus in Alberta. Bringing the total number of fatalities to 72.
Three of the new deaths are in continuing care facilities.

There are also 297 new cases of the virus bringing the total number of cases province wide to 4,017.

Three of the new cases are in a first nation community in the Calgary area. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said those who are infected are isolating themselves.

During this afternoon’s update, Hinshaw says AHS is looking into two cases at the Mountain View Poultry Chicken processing facility in Okotoks. She says supports are in place to prevent spread at the facility.

Following the new numbers, Hinshaw touched on the cancellation of social gatherings.

“First, I know the curve shown in our modelling work may have left the impression that the virus will go away over the summer. That is not the case,” Hinshaw said. “The virus that causes COVID-19 will be with us for many months to come.”

WATCH: Chief Medical of Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw provides daily COVID-19 update

She adds the virus spreads rapidly through social interactions.

“We have had several instances in the province of social gatherings where one person passed the virus on too many others at a single event before the individual knew they had COVID. The Bonspiel in Alberta is one example I have talked about before – of the 73 people who attended that event, 40 ended up with COVID-19.”