Alberta reports 47 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday

Edmonton — Alberta reported 47 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the province's total to 7,276.

Twenty-three of the new cases were in Edmonton, with a dozen of them found in the Mill Woods area.

The number of active cases rose by 15 to 371. And, the number of recoveries rose by 32 to 6,754.

The number of deaths remained unchanged at 151.

There are currently 42 Albertans in hospital, including six in intensive care units. Thirty of those patients are in the Calgary zone.

Alberta has completed more than 310,000 tests for COVID-19.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical health officer, says there is an outbreak at Alberta Hospital Edmonton, where four staff members have tested positive.

"We are in a time of balance where we need to balance the needs of some Albertans for the reopening and the needs of others for safety and we need to hold those together in tension," she said.

"This virus is still with us, and I remind all Albertans we are the best protection for ourselves, our friends and our neighbours."

She says proactive testing is a cornerstone of the province's plan to reopen spas, pools, casinos, churches, movie theatres and other businesses in phase two of the province's reopening on Friday.