During Monday's provincial COVID-19 update, Alberta's Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced that the province's state of emergency has been lifted.

It was originally declared almost three months ago, on March 17th.

Shandro attributed the decision to the success of the province's COVID-19 response, due in no small part to the public's adherence to health orders.

He says this doesn't mean the pandemic is over by any means.

"While the state of emergency is lapsing, it does not remove or impact existing orders that Dr. Hinshaw has put in place, nor does it impact her ability to issue additional orders as they may be needed in the days ahead."

Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw also provided an updated on the province's latest COVID-19 numbers.

Following 3462 tests over the last 24 hours, 20 new cases were detected.

The total number of active cases continues to rise, with 440 as of Monday's update.

Dr. Hinshaw reported an increasing number of active cases in Edmonton over the last two weeks. With 167 active cases, the total is nearing Calgary's total of 194.

After over 11,000 tests of asymptomatic Albertans (all of whom had no known contact with a confirmed case) over the last week, four cases were confirmed.

6862 recoveries have now been confirmed.

31 Albertans are currently being treated in hospital, with seven in intensive care.

Dr. Hinshaw reported one additional death, with 151 Albertans now having lost their lives to COVID-19.

To view the conference, click here.

For more information on COVID-19 in Alberta, click here.

 

Send us your news tips, story ideas and comments at news@highriveronline.com