On Thursday afternoon, Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced 319 new cases of COVID-19 have been found in Alberta along with two additional deaths due to the virus in the province. 

One of the main focuses of the daily update on Thursday was the rising temperatures outdoors and how we need to remain vigilant with physical distancing. The restrictions on mass gatherings will remain in place for the summer and be reevaluated once we reach the fall. No specific date was given. 

“This decision was not made lightly. But we must do everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

With all gatherings being limited to 15 people or less, all major events and festivals for the summer in Alberta will be cancelled. This announcement came within an hour of the announcement of The Calgary Stampede being cancelled for 2020.

"We need to remember that a single case of COVID-19 can spread like wildfire in large groups of people."

Another concern of Hinshaw and Alberta Health is the outbreaks in continuing care facilities around Alberta and outbreaks at the Cargill meat processing plant in High River and JBS Foods in Brooks.

480 cases have been found at the High River processing plant while 124 were found in the Brooks JBS Foods location.

Earlier today, Mayor Genung announced of the 15 cases of COVID-19 in the Cochrane/Springbank area, 12 have recovered, which leaves three active cases in the area.