At the April 8th Alberta Coronavirus Update, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Dina Hinshaw announced 28 new cases of coronavirus in the province totaling to 1451 cases. Additionally, three deaths were also confirmed as a result of the virus in the Calgary and Edmonton zones. 

As well, 592 cases have now been confirmed as recovered. 

During the update, Dr. Hinshaw noted that some private gyms have been opening against the Alberta Government’s restrictions. 

“I have been concerned about reports that some private gyms are choosing to remain open. This in violation of public health orders which are enforceable by law. I understand physical exercise is an important activity for overall health and well-being both physical and mental but the risk of transmission for space is too great for spaces like these. I encourage Albertans to look at other ways to exercise without jeopardizing the health of others,” said Hinshaw 

Hinshaw hopes that people continue to practice social distancing measures during the long-weekend and through many upcoming religious holidays. 

“The weekend and weeks of ahead will be a difficult time for all of us who normally come together to celebrate the holidays. I know so many of you wish to gather together with family and friends and remember the way of the cross, to share a seder meal, or to break fast after sundown during Iftar, but we must remain vigilant to protect ourselves family and those in our community. We must remain apart during these religious holidays,” explained Hinshaw. 

She said it is important for those who are attending drive-in religious services to only drive amongst those who are in your household. 

Hinshaw shed a positive light on some of Alberta’s current data regarding the coronavirus. 

“There are some early signs that we are making a difference. For instance, over the last couple of weeks, we have seen a significant drop in the number of confirmed influenza cases. While we would expect a slow reduction at this time year the drop over the last two weeks has been dramatic while testing numbers have stayed relatively the same."

"This is a promising sign that our measures are working but we cannot lose sight of our goal,” said Hinshaw. 

Central Alberta shows the following case numbers, available at alberta.ca

  • City of Lacombe: 2
  • Lacombe County: 4
  • Ponoka County: 1
  • County of Wetaskiwin: 0
  • City of Wetaskiwin: 7
  • Red Deer County: 12
  • City of Red Deer: 32
  • County of Stettler: 1
  • Mountain View County: 5

Other data about the COVID-19 case counts are as follows: 

  • Approximately 192 cases have now been spread through community transmission
  • 592 cases in total have been confirmed to have recovered from the virus (74 more than April 8th)
  • To date, 151cases have been confirmed in continuing care facilities
  • 1333 tests have been performed in the last 24 hours (As of the announcement on April 9th)