Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, said Monday that five more Albertans have died from COVID-19.

By rdnewsNOW staff

"one of the hardest days yet"

Five more Albertans die from COVID-19

Mar 30, 2020 | 4:57 PM

Alberta’s chief medical officer delivered some sad news this afternoon.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw says five more people have died from COVID-19, bringing Alberta’s total to eight.

Two of the deaths were in seniors care homes, a woman in her seventies in Calgary and a male in his eighties in Edmonton.

The remaining three deaths include a woman in her fifties in the Calgary zone, a male in his eighties in the Edmonton zone, and a male in his 30s in the North zone.

“I would like to extend my sympathies to the families and loved ones of these individuals. This news is heartbreaking for all of us,” Hinshaw said remorsefully. “Although the victims all had risk factors such as older age or chronic medical conditions, their lives mattered as much as any of ours.

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“This has been one of the hardest days yet,” she added.

Ninety-four people in Alberta have recovered from COVID-19.

There have been 29 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta in the past 24 hours, bringing the official total to 690. However, Hinshaw warns there has been a decrease in tests because of challenges with supplies and new testing protocol, meaning this is not necessarily an accurate number.

The official number of COVID-19 cases in the Central zone remains at 46, same as Sunday.

The number of cases in Red Deer sits at 17. Red Deer County has seen 7 cases, Lacombe 2, Stettler region 2, Olds 2, Innisfail 1 and Ponoka 1.

The outbreak at the Mackenzie Towne seniors facility in Calgary has grown to 36 residents and five staff members with probable or confirmed cases, and 65 of the total cases in Alberta are suspected to be a community transmission.

Hinshaw calls those worrying numbers.

“We must redouble our effects to protect those who are most vulnerable to this virus,” she said.

Hinshaw took time to say thanks to those self-isolating, choosing to stay home with even a mild illness and those safely going to work in critical jobs.

She also asked everyone to follow guidelines and take care of themselves and others.

“Following the public health guidance will save lives,” she said.

(With file from Chris Brown, CHAT News Today)