Dr. Marcia Johnson (screenshot from Saturday's press conference - Government of Alberta)

By Justin Goulet

31 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, six total cases in South Zone

Mar 21, 2020 | 4:42 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Since Friday, there have been 31 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, bringing the provincial total to 226 identified cases.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Marcia Johnson provided Saturday’s update on the pandemic, in place of Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

Johnson said officials believe up to 16 of those cases are due to community transmission. 11 individuals are in hospital receiving care, while six are receiving care in the ICU – one additional ICU admission since Friday, March 20.

She stated that the province has not seen any additional deaths from the virus and there was no updated number for recovered cases.

As of now, three of the confirmed cases have recovered from the infection.

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Currently in the South Zone, there is one confirmed case in south Lethbridge, two in west Lethbridge, one in the MD of Taber and two cases in Medicine Hat.

There are 139 cases in the Calgary Zone, 57 in the Edmonton Zone, seven in the Central Zone and 16 in the North Zone. There is also one case where the zone has not yet been identified.

The one death in Alberta was in the Edmonton Zone.

On Friday (March 20), 49 new cases were announced.

Johnson said that although the number of new cases released today (Saturday, March 21) is less than Friday, it’s too early to call that a ‘silver lining’.

“The whole aim of all the social distancing restrictions we’ve put in is to decrease the number of people getting ill and to decrease the speed at which they’re getting ill, the numbers add up,” she said.

“So, if this is an indication and I’m not saying it is, it’s only one data point. If it is an indication, that would be great. That’s what we’re working for [but] it’s too soon to make that conclusion at this point.”

Johnson reiterated Hinshaw’s comments commending Albertans for abiding by social distancing measures and taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.

However, she did say measures would be put in place next week that will allow public health inspectors to monitor large groups in restaurants and businesses, with other powers provided to police.

“A plan is in place and will be starting to roll out over the next week that would allow public health inspectors to monitor large groups in restaurants and businesses. There’s also power being provided to the police to deal with through fines, I believe, for people who might not be following the recommendations,” Johnson said.

She reminded Albertans to continue washing their hands and practice all preventative measures to flatten the curve.

She added that worship services could still take place on Sunday. However, they had to be comprised of less than 50 people with those attending practicing good hand hygiene. Anyone who is ill, even with mild symptoms, must not attend.

Johnson also advised residents to be aware of any scams making the rounds during this pandemic, noting Alberta Health Services will not ask for financial information over the phone.

The provincial government has released a video promoting preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, which can be viewed below.

The province noted that there will be no news conference on Sunday, March 22 but an updated on the total number of cases in Alberta would be released.

The press conference with Dr. Marcia Johnson can be viewed through the Your Alberta YouTube page here.