Only 7 new cases of COVID-19, no new deaths in Alberta

Alberta reported seven new cases and no deaths due to COVID-19 Friday, a day worthy of celebrating, the province's chief medical officer of health said.

Seven is the lowest number of new cases since March 12, one week after Alberta recorded its first case of COVID-19, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said.

In the last 24 hours, provincial labs tested 6,455 people, the highest number of tests in one day to date.

"Today's numbers mark an occasion to be celebrated," Hinshaw said. "Not only are we reporting the highest number of tests done in 24 hoursin the province, we also have the lowest daily number of new cases since March 12."

Forty-four people are in hospital, including six in intensive care.

Casesinching downward

The numbers show that as Alberta rolls into summer, the province's daily number of active and new cases of COVID-19 continues inching downward.

"This is in large part thanks to your efforts and sacrifices," Hinshaw said.

"Although we can expect to see some fluctuations in new infractionsand outbreaks, it's possible for us to collectively keep our numbers stable."

Alberta Health Services isupdatingvisitationguidelines effectiveSaturday for all patients in acute outpatient and inpatient settings in Alberta hospitals.

The newguidelines will ease some restrictions while maintaining specific criteria intendedto protect patients, residents, volunteer and staff, Hinshaw said.

"One especially difficult sacrifice has been being unable to visit loved ones receiving care in hospitals," Hinshaw said.

'I know this has created hardship'

"Though this restriction was made to protect the safety of patients and our health-care workers, I know this has created hardship.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, we've continuously monitoredthe situation and adjusted our measures as necessary."

The updated guidelines are posted atahs.ca/visitation.

"For ambulatory care visits, an individualcoming for care to an outpatient clinic can be accompanied by one support individual," saidDr. Mark Joffe, an Alberta Health Services vice-president and medical director for northern Alberta.

"For hospitalized inpatients, twodesignated support individuals can be identifiedso they can visit at the same time."

Support individuals must still abide by physical distancing rules,wear a maskand be assessed before entering, Joffesaid.

Visiting guidelines for long-term-care centres will remain as they are.

"We know visitorrestrictions in continuing care are a hardshipin these settings as well," Hinshaw said.

"We will be seeking inputs from residents, families and operators on how we can balance needs for connection and needs for safety in these settings so we can continue to make adjustments in the best interests of all those in these settings."

Latest numbers

There are now 328 active cases in the province, down from334 Thursday, while6,624 people have recovered.

Provincial labs continue toperformmore tests for the virus now they areavailable to anyone for the asking.

As of Friday, 281,979tests have been completed.

Hinshaw said the province will offer more details early next week about Stage 2 of its relaunch plan.

The province is considering movingsports, fitness and recreation facilities into Stage 2 from Stage 3, allowing them to open much sooner than expected.

"That final decision will be communicated early next week with respect to what will be in Stage 2 and the timing of Stage 2," she said.