By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

june 27 update

No new deaths as active cases climb to 520 Saturday

Jun 27, 2020 | 4:02 PM

The number of active cases of COVID-19 in Alberta rose by 11 on Saturday to 520.

It’s the second straight day of increases after a one-day dip earlier this week that interrupted a few straight weeks of inclines.

Total cases also jumped by 69 to 7,957, while recoveries moved up by 58 to 7,283. The increase in new cases is the largest since May 15-16 when 56 new cases were confirmed.

Hospitalizations are at 42, an increase of five since Friday, and there are eight ICU admissions, the same as a day ago.

Central Zone is down to just two active cases from three yesterday, and Red Deer still has one active cases.

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Meantime, the province issued a release Saturday reminding Albertans who they’re protecting by adhering to public health advice.

They note 139 of the province’s 154 deaths from COVID-19 — which did not increase on Saturday — have involved people aged 70 or older. Ninety per cent of those individuals had two or more underlying conditions.

The last increase in deaths was from 153 to 154 on June 20.

“Albertans have faced COVID-19 as they do any other obstacle – head-on, with grit and determination. Our government will continue providing unprecedented support for vulnerable groups, but we need everyone to act responsibly and encourage others to do the same,” says Premier Jason Kenney. “Simple actions save lives, so let’s all keep doing our part.”

Health Minister Tyler Shandro added that, “COVID-19 is still a threat to Alberta.”

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, also stated, “Every one of us acts as a shield that protects our friends, families and neighbours from this virus. By taking simple, everyday actions, we can help limit the spread, particularly to those most at risk of COVID-19. Every time we step out the door, we should ask ourselves: ‘Who am I protecting today?’”

The government announced Friday that 20 million masks had all been distributed by local fast food chains, with another 20 million set to be doled out in July.

Active cases by health zone (+/- since Thursday, June 25)

Edmonton: 228 (down 9)

Calgary: 221 (up 14)

North: 36 (up 3)

South: 31 (up 8)

Central: 2 (down 1)

Unknown: 2 (down 1)

More information is at Alberta.ca/covid19.

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