Alberta reports 244 new cases of COVID-19, one new death

Albertareported244new cases of COVID-19 Thursdayas well asone more death.

The latest numbers showed there are 2,738 active cases in Alberta, up from2,689 Wednesday.

As of Thursday, 101people were in hospital with the disease, including 16in intensive care.

The latest death is a man in his 80s who is linked to the outbreak at Millwoods Shepherds Care Centre in Edmonton. The outbreak has seen 60 residents and 31 staff test positive for COVID-19, with eight of the residents dying.

To date,288Albertans havediedfromCOVID-19.

Here is theregional breakdown of active cases:

• Edmonton zone: 1,497 cases up from 1,473 cases Wednesday
• Calgary zone: 788 cases down from 791 cases Wednesday
• North zone: 130 cases up from 124 cases
• South zone: 191 cases up from 177 cases
• Central zone: 116 cases from 108cases
• Unknown: 16 casessame as Wednesday

The number of tests completed Wednesday was 12,721, which brings thetotal number of tests done in the province to 1,583,918.

There are now 22schools under watch status, meaning they have recorded at least five cases of COVID-19, and69schools with two to four cases.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, is scheduled to provide a COVID-19 update Friday afternoon.