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542 cases

Alberta has 56 new cases of COVID-19

Mar 27, 2020 | 5:01 PM

There are now 542 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, which includes 33 recoveries.

Premier Jason Kenney and Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, revealed the new numbers on Friday afternoon.

RELATED: One additional case of COVID-19 confirmed in Red Deer

The total number of cases is 56 more than on Thursday. There remain two deaths, which were previously announced.

Among Kenney’s announcements was that mass gatherings must not be larger than 15 people. The limit was previously 50.

“This was a difficult decision to make, but we must do everything we can to protect the safety of Albertans and limit the spread of COVID-19,” the premier said.

“Grocery stores, pharmacies, delivery services and other essential businesses will continue to provide Albertans with the goods and services they need, and we’ll look to Alberta’s business leaders to find innovate ways to continue remote operations and protect jobs. These businesses must do everything they can to safeguard the well-being of the hardworking employees on the front lines.”

Furthermore, restrictions are now in place barring non-essential businesses such as hair salons, barbershops, tattoo parlours, and wellness studios from being open. The full list is HERE.

The province is also suspending automobile access to all provincial parks. More on that decision is available AlbertaParks.ca.

The province also is taking new measures related to rent and non-essential businesses.

RELATED: Alberta renters given more certainty amid COVID-19 crisis

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