COVID-19 Weekly Regional Update

COVID-19 Weekly Regional Update

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

As of May 17, the Government of Alberta was reporting 6,654 cases (56 new cases) with 1,064 active cases and 5,423 recovered cases. There were 127 deaths.

In Vegreville/Minburn County there were: 2 cases, 0 active, 2 recovered, and 0 deaths. In Two Hills County, there were: 0 cases, 0 active, 0 recovered, and 0 deaths. In Lamont County, there were: 0 cases, 0 active, 0 recovered, and 0 deaths. In Beaver County there were: 2 cases, 0 active, 2 recovered, and 0 deaths In Tofield there were: 2 cases, 0 active, 2 recovered, and 0 deaths. In Viking, there were: 0 cases, 0 active, 0 recovered, and 0 deaths.

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw spoke about the relaunch strategy on May 15, saying, “In this stage, we need to be mindful of continuing to minimize infection risk. One way of helping businesses and locations that are reopening to apply guidance to their location is through a template that we have posted on our relaunch webpage.

For businesses or locations that are newly opening, we have extended the time frame to complete that template from 7 to 14 days after they open. I also want to clarify that for those locations that have remained open throughout the last few months, completion of this template is voluntary. For those that wish to complete this and post it, it can serve as an additional reassurance to employees and patrons of all the ways that they are being protected from the spread of infection.”

Dr. Hinshaw went on to say, “Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy recognizes the importance of the outdoors and recreation for Albertans’ sense of wellbeing, while also recommending limiting nonessential travel outside the province at this time.”

She also announced, “Outdoor gathering limits are being increased to a maximum of 50 people, no matter where you live, as long physical distancing of at least two metres is being maintained between different households, and everyone attending that gathering follows proper hygiene practices.”

Hinshaw pointed out that some municipalities continue to restrict access to playgrounds and to follow those restrictions where they apply.