Share this Story: Two new COVID-19 cases reported in RMWB, testing expands to community pharmacies
Two new COVID-19 cases reported in RMWB, testing expands to community pharmacies
Vincent McDermott
Drive-through COVID-19 tests are performed by health care workers in Sherwood Park. Supplied Image/Alberta Health Services
Community pharmacies in Alberta will now offer asymptomatic testing for COVID-19.
During her Thursday media conference, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said any pharmacy wishing to participate in the expanded testing can now begin testing for the virus, so long as they can meet safety standards.
Two new COVID-19 cases reported in RMWB, testing expands to community pharmacies Back to video
"With cases on the rise in Alberta, we must all do our part in the fight against COVID-19. The actions we each take today will help protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities tomorrow," said Hinshaw. "Testing helps us understand more about the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta."
In Fort McMurray, participating pharmacies include Dave Hill Pharmacy and the Medicine Shoppe. The pharmacy at the Real Canadian Superstore is also conducting tests for the virus.
Anyone with symptoms SHOULD NOT visit these pharmacies for a test. Only Albertans with no symptoms or no known exposure to COVID-19 can do so.
People with COVID-19 symptoms or known exposure must complete the COVID-19 self-assessment or call Health Link 811.
The province is encouraging frontline workers who have regular interactions with the public to get tested, especially if they are considered at-risk individuals. Tests are also encouraged before and after:
Spending time with individuals who are at-risk or have serious health outcomes (e.g., anyone over 65 or with underlying medical conditions)
Travelling internationally, attending events with recent travellers or hosting them.
Participating in activities or events that may have put you at a higher risk of exposure (e.g., large gatherings where physical distancing was not followed).
The Alberta government's goal is to administer 20,000 tests per day.
Provincial COVID-19 updates for July 30:
A total of 10,716 people have been infected with the virus since Alberta's first case was recorded on March 5.
Of those cases, 9,113 people have recovered, or roughly 85 per cent of all cases.
There have been 113 new cases reported across Alberta in the past 24 hours.
There are 1,408 active cases in Alberta.
There are 91 cases hospitalized, with 18 people in intensive care units.
There have been five new deaths related to COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing Alberta's total to 195.
All five deaths were at the Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre in Edmonton.
6,257 people were tested for COVID-19 on July 29. To date, 566,054 people have been tested for the virus.
Local COVID-19 updates for July 30:
COVID-19 in Fort McMurray:
There is one new active case in Fort McMurray in the past 24 hours, bringing the known total to five.
There have been no new recoveries in the past 24 hours.
56 people have recovered in Fort McMurray since the first case was reported in the city on March 19.
There have been no deaths in Fort McMurray.
COVID-19 in the rural hamlets:
There are eight active cases in the rural hamlets.
There is one new active case in the rural hamlets in the past 24 hours.
Two more people has recovered from the virus in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 44.
AHS has not confirmed which rural communities have active COVID-19 cases.
Fort McKay's First Nation and Métis leaders have made it mandatory to wear masks in the community.
There have been no deaths in the RMWB's rural areas.
vmcdermott@postmedia.com