The active total of COVID-19 cases in Fort McMurray is continuing to shrink.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced on Thursday 364 new cases across the province with over 75 per cent popping up in Edmonton.

The new provincial cases raise the total to 19,718 with 2,097 currently active, nearly half of which are in Edmonton.

Locally, Fort McMurray did see two more cases, however, the community also had five additional recoveries which lowers the active total to 28.

The rural areas had one previously recovered case put back in the active total, raising it to three.

In total, 324 individuals across the RMWB – 260 in Fort McMurray and 64 in the rural areas – have recovered.

They are among the 17,338 across the province. This represents just under 88 per cent of reported cases.

Meanwhile, there were two new deaths from COVID-19 in Alberta over the past 24 hours – putting the total at 283.

One of the deaths throughout the pandemic was in Fort McMurray.

Voluntary Measures in Edmonton

The province is introducing three new voluntary measures for people who live, work, or travel to Edmonton.

Over half of the active cases in Alberta are in the provincial capital.

Due to this, the province is asking residents to limit gatherings to a maximum of 15. People who had plans made beforehand, such as weddings and funerals, can still move forward, however, they’re encouraged to find ways to lower the number of people attending.

Masks are also being recommended for people working indoors, except for those who work in their own office, in a cubicle, or have proper barriers in place to limit the spread of the virus.

The province is also asking people in Edmonton to limit the number of cohorts to three. This includes their household, schools, and other groups such as work, sports, and more.

Dr. Hinshaw says hospitals still have sufficient hospital space and beds which is why these measures aren’t mandatory.