33 new COVID-19 cases in Alberta, four additional deaths

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the province.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw confirmed that a man in his 70s, a woman and a man in their 80s and a woman in her 90s are the latest deaths.

All the deaths were from continuing care facilities in Calgary.

“We do know that older individuals are at higher risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19. The average age of those who have died from COVID-19 is 82 years, which is why long-term care and other continuing care facilities remain a priority for both me and Alberta Health Services,” Hinshaw said.

She added AHS will continue to monitor the outbreaks at each continuing care facility across the province.

33 new cases of the virus were also reported, leaving 926 active cases in the province.

Alberta's COVID-19 update has started. Dr. Deena Hinshaw reports four new deaths and 33 new cases.

There are over 5,000 Albertans who have recovered.

59 people hospitalized, six of those in intensive cares

— Jeff Slack (@Jeffslack660) May 21, 2020

As of Thursday, 5,710 people have recovered from the virus.

“Currently 59 people are hospitalized from COVID-19, with six of these in intensive care units.”

“The good news is we continue to see a downward trend across the province in active cases,” remarked Hinshaw.

Dr. Hinshaw says they will continue to monitor outbreaks at these facilities. Good news is we are seeing a downward trend of active cases. She thanks everyone for their sacrifices made and continue to make

— Jeff Slack (@Jeffslack660) May 21, 2020

Hinshaw says since the relaunch on May 14, case numbers have held steady.

However, she has heard from many Calgarians and residents in Brooks that they still feel left in the dark about the province’s gradual reopening approach.

“We do not want to jeopardize all that Albertans have risked and sacrificed by reopening prematurely.”

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

Many businesses have reopened across the province, including many in Calgary and Brooks.

“Reopening gradually allows up to monitor any increase in spread from open retail, daycares, and other activities in Calgary and Brooks where the baseline rate was higher last week.”

Hinshaw says the outbreaks at the plants in High River and Brooks were the main cause for the high case numbers.

There are now only five active cases at Cargill (943 recovered)

JBS has 10 active cases (640 recovered)

— Jeff Slack (@Jeffslack660) May 21, 2020

At the Cargill plant there are only five active cases.

943 workers have recovered.

At the JBS plant, there are ten active cases and 640 workers recovered.