By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau

EDMONTON (Eagle News) — Alberta has reported its second death from COVID-19.

Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Tuesday a woman in her 80s, who was a resident on the McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Centre in Calgary, died of the disease Monday.

“News of this death and other potential infections in a long-term care facility will be distressing for many people,” said Hinshaw. “I would like to extend my sympathies to this woman’s family and loved ones.”

One staff member and two other residents of the home have tested positive. The two residents are in stable condition. Up to 11 other residents of the home show signs of COVID-19.

According to Hinshaw, the staff member who tested positive did not have any travel history and did not work while symptomatic. Staff who were in contact with those who tested positive have been isolated.

In the last 24 hours, 57 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported with a total of 358 cases in Alberta as of this report. Nineteen people are in the hospital, seven of them in intensive care. Twenty-eight of the cases are believed to be community transmission.

Hinshaw again stressed the importance of the government’s restrictions on mass gatherings and the need for social distancing.

“If you are sick, stay home,” said Hinshaw. “Do not go to your doctor’s office, ER or clinic unless you have symptoms that are of an urgent nature.”

Hinshaw added that even though we are keeping physically distance from each other, we remain socially connected.

“We are all in this together,” she said. “Now, more than ever, we need to take care of each other.”

(Eagle News Service)