Seven Albertans Have Died From COVID-19 Since Friday & There Are Over 8,700 Cases

The province's spike in cases keeps climbing to new heights as hundreds more tested positive over the weekend for COVID-19. Alberta also saw an increase in deaths — seven locals have died over the past four days, and another was reported. The province's top doctor continued to urge locals to follow the rules set in place to keep others safe.

On Monday, July 27, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, announced that there were 304 cases from Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26. There are currently 8,774 active cases in the province, she said.

Editor's Choice:Seven Albertans Have Died From COVID-19 Since Friday

"Sadly I must report that eight more Albertans have died. These deaths were reported to Alberta Health since Friday, and all but one occurred in the last four days, she said.

"This is obviously a heartbreaking number to report."

Hinshaw extended her condolences to those who lost loved ones during the pandemic, as well as to those suffering from severe complications.

Five of the deaths occurred at the Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre in Edmonton. The outbreak at this centre is now linked to 78 cases and 12 deaths.

"We are taking this outbreak very seriously," said Hinshaw. "Additional supports" are being rolled out to help control infections at the site, she said.

For people at higher risk of "severe outcomes," Hinshaw announced the launch of a new online assessment that measures your risk of getting a severe reaction to COVID-19.

They also announced the launch of an online portal where locals can check their lab test results without going into the clinic.

Hinshaw said this is the fastest way to find out your COVID-19 test results.

Hinshaw reminded locals that the statistics she lists out every week are "real people who caught COVID-19 while simply living their lives."

"People who catch COVID-19 aren't bad people, and at the same time people who avoid COVID-19 exposure aren't fear-mongering."

Finally, she acknowledged that people are getting tired of her repeating the same points every single week. But Hinshaw reminded that COVID-19 is still at large and we all need to work together to beat it.