Two additional COVID-19 deaths in Alberta, cases rise by 54
Posted May 7, 2020 3:41 pm.
Last Updated May 8, 2020 7:30 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Two more Albertans have died from the coronavirus.
One person from the Calgary area and one from the South zone are the latest deaths. The total number of fatalities now sits at 114 across the province.
This comes as cases have risen by 54, bringing the provincial total to 6,017.
During Thursday’s provincial update, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw confirmed that 3,809 people have recovered from the virus.
Following the new numbers, Hinshaw spoke about social gatherings.
“We all want to be able to gather again – we humans are hard-wired for connection and physical closeness is not fully replaced by virtual gatherings. Whether a religious gathering or social gathering. I know we are all missing being together in ways that we once took for granted.”
“Despite this, I am asking for you to remain cautious. I am asking for you to keep being creative about other ways of connecting and sharing meaningful moments,” Hinshaw said.
WATCH: Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw provides daily COVID-19 update
She mentioned gatherings of no more than 15 people are allowed, but that proper physical distancing must still take place.
Hinshaw also spoke about the government’s three-point plan to re-open the economy. Adding that hairstylists and barbers are concerned their personal services are being opened up for stage one of the plan.
“In preparation for the staging of Alberta’s re-launch strategy, public health officials have considered a measured approach to opening up sectors including personal services.
“When considering that hair salons and barbershops could open as a part of stage one, a key point that factored into public health advice was that these professions have provincially regulated training and certification standards. This certification includes a provincially recognized public health component on infection prevention and control.”
