The province is now in its fourth month of pandemic response and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, says there is consideration of an earlier date for Stage 2 of Alberta’s relaunch due to positive results in the past weeks. There is also talk of fitness, recreation and sports being bumped up to Stage 2. She says the final decision will be made early next week.

Despite the easing of provincial restrictions, Pincher Creek town council decides to keep playgrounds closed until Stage 2 of Alberta’s relaunch.

Recovery has been the word of the week provincewide on the coronavirus front.

Since May 26, there have been 489 recoveries from COVID-19, 156 new cases diagnosed and, unfortunately, four additional deaths in Alberta.

South zone saw seven recoveries and no new COVID-19 cases over the weekend, but there were two new hospitalizations and one person is now in intensive care.

Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass continue to be free of the virus.

All five diagnosed with COVID-19 in Fort Macleod have now recovered, as have 22 of 24 in Cardston County/Kainai.