Minister of Health, Tyler Shandro began the May 5th Alberta COVID-19 update by announcing that the province is investing in new equipment which will double the province’s capacity to test for COVID-19. The Calgary Health Trust and the Government of Alberta will be investing 4.5 million dollars in the new equipment.  

“The new equipment will be integrated in our province's existing testing systems in Edmonton and Calgary and will be located around the province at sites where it is most needed. This is going to ease the strain on Edmonton and Calgary labs and get fast results for communities across Alberta,” explained Shandro. 

The health minister noted that increased testing capacity will aid the province as we take steps towards relaunch in the coming months. If you would like to read more about the new equipment, click here. 

Additionally, the Health Minister noted that he has signed an order that allows disclosure of COVID-19 test results to police. If an individual claims to have the virus while coughing or spitting on a first responder, they will now be able to learn that individual’s test results. 

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw asked Albertans to be aware of challenges to mental health when dealing with the pandemic. 

“Both Canadian and international surveys have found that about half of respondents reported about having moderate to severe anxiety and up to 20 per cent reported depression,” explained Hinshaw. 

The doctor encouraged Albertans to reach out to their loved ones about their mental health and call the mental health helpline at 1-877-303-2642. If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call 9-1-1.  

May 5th new case numbers:

  • 57 new cases of the virus
  • 5,893 total confirmed cases in Alberta 
  • 3,219 total recovered cases2 new deaths resulting from the virus 
  • 106 total deaths from the virus
  • 1,377 tests completed in the last 24 hours 
  • 167,015 tests have been performed in total   

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

  • City of Lacombe: 2 total cases
    • 0 active
    • 2 recovered
  • Lacombe County: 3 total cases
    • 0 active
    • 3 recovered
  • Ponoka County: 2 total cases
    • 0 active
    • 2 recovered
  • County of Wetaskiwin: 0 total cases
    • 0 active
    • 0 recovered
  • City of Wetaskiwin: 8 total cases
    • 1 active
    • 7 recovered
  • Red Deer County: 13 total cases
    • 2 active
    • 11 recovered 
  • City of Red Deer: 36 total cases 
    • 5 active
    • 31 recovered 
  • County of Stettler: 3 total cases
    • 0 active
    • 3 recovered
  • Mountain View County: 6 total cases
    • 1 active
    • 5 recovered