Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Outdoor gathering limit increased to 50 people in Alberta

May 15, 2020 | 3:57 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – May long weekend is upon us, which will see many Albertans head outdoors.

On Friday afternoon, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says as many as 50 people will be allowed to gather in outdoor spaces as long as physical distancing guidelines are followed.

Up until now, Alberta has enforced mass gathering restrictions on meetings of more than 15 people during the COVID-19 pandemic. This limit remains in effect for indoor gatherings.

Dr. Hinshaw explains that the new number applies “no matter where you live, as long as physical distancing of at least two metres is being maintained between different households and everyone attending that gathering follows proper hygiene practices.”

If you are planning a gathering in your backyard this weekend, she asks that you only invite as many people as can while maintaining a physical distance of two metres between guests of different households.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Sharing food or drinks with others is not advised.

Another recommendation is that doorknobs, faucets, and bathroom facilities be sanitized partway through the gathering.

As for Albertans heading to summer cottages, Dr. Hinshaw gave advice that will help to keep yourself and others safe.

“Respect the health and safety of smaller communities along the way by planning your trip without stops for gas or food where possible. We should continue to avoid non-essential travel outside the province. When outdoors or in public, we must take all necessary precautions to protect our health and the health of those around us.”

Dr. Hinshaw also provided the daily COVID-19 update for Friday, May 15.

Another 58 infections were confirmed, bringing the provincial total to 6,515. Of those, 5,317 people have fully recovered while 1,073 cases are still active.

Four new deaths related to the virus have been announced – all in continuing care centres in the Calgary Health Zone. This means COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 125 Albertans to date.

62 patients remain in hospital, nine of which are in intensive care units (ICU).

The breakdown by regional health zone is as follows:

• Calgary zone – 4,464 cases, 870 active
  • 89 deaths (four new)
  • 45 in hospital, seven in ICU
  • 85,850 tests
• South zone – 1,183 cases, 106 active
  • Eight deaths
  • Six in hospital
  • 15,819 tests
• Edmonton zone – 517 cases, 61 active
  • 12 deaths
  • Nine in hospital, two in ICU
  • 54,055 tests
• North zone – 228 cases, 18 active
  • 15 deaths
  • Two in hospital
  • 14,522 tests
• Central zone – 99 cases, 13 active
  • One death
  • 15,568 tests

The breakdown for the South Health Zone by community is as follows:

• Brooks – 1,075 cases (five new), 82 active, seven deaths
• Medicine Hat – 35 cases, five active
• Lethbridge – 21 cases (one new), five active
  • South Lethbridge – 10 cases, three active
  • West Lethbridge – Eight cases (one new), one active
  • North Lethbridge – Three cases, one active
• County of Newell – 14 cases (one new), three active
• Cardston County – 11 cases (one new), six active
• Cypress County – 10 cases, three active
• Fort Macleod – Four cases, one active
• Special Areas No. 2 – Two cases, zero active, one death
• M.D. of Taber – Two cases, zero active
• County of Forty Mile – Two cases, zero active
• Lethbridge County – One case, zero active