Five dead from COVID-19 in Alberta on Monday, provincial total reaches eight

Alberta’s COVID-19 death toll rose sharply on Monday as chief medical officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw confirmed five more deaths for a provincial total of eight.

Twenty-nine new cases of the virus were confirmed Monday for a total of 690 in Alberta.

There remains four confirmed cases in the Bonnyville area and two in the Cold Lake area.

Dr. Hinshaw noted that the number of cases has dropped due to the new testing measures in place.

Last Monday, the province said they would only test travellers who returned March 8-12, those with respiratory issues, those in long-term care facilities and health care workers.

By the end of the week, she said they’ll get a better sense of how these measures are working.

Two women in their 70s and 50s from Calgary are among the deceased.

Two men in Edmonton in their 80s are among the deceased, and one man from the North Zone in his 30s.

One person passed away on Sunday from COVID-19.

Sixty-five cases could be through community spread and 94 people have recovered from the virus of the total 690.

The outbreaks continue at long-term facilities, including at McKenzie Towne Long Term Care where 36 residents have contracted COVID-19 and five staff members.

The province will provide another update Tuesday afternoon.