EDMONTON—Alberta has confirmed its first death due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the province grapples with the virus spreading in the community.

The man was in his 60s, had underlying medical conditions and was admitted to intensive care in the Edmonton area on March 12 before dying on Wednesday, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, told reporters Thursday.

“This is extremely sad news,” Hinshaw said. “As heartbreaking as this news is, it was expected.”

Hinshaw said she suspects the man who died contracted the virus from the community, since he hadn’t been travelling or been in contact with someone who had been exposed.

There have now been 12 deaths related to COVID-19 in Canada — eight in B.C., the newly announced case in Alberta, two now in Ontario and one in Quebec.

Hinshaw also announced 27 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, bringing the total to 146. As many as eight of the cases could have been caused by community transmission, she said.

“Take this seriously,” Hinshaw said. “Stay home, unless it is essential for you to go out.”

A sliver of good news came out of Thursday’s media update with Hinshaw announcing that two people in Alberta have recovered after contracting the virus.

There’s been a spectrum of measures put in place throughout the week to address financial, health and social concerns in Alberta.

Premier Jason Kenney announced $50 million would be made available right away for those self-isolating, which comes to about $573 per week for each person who qualifies. It’s meant to keep people buoyed until April 1, when an $82-billion federal aid package kicks in, Kenney said.

The move came with other sweeping measures in the province, such as extending tax deadlines, deferrals on loan payments and financial assistance for small business owners.

This week, Alberta declared a public health emergency, cancelled meetings of more than 50 people, and prohibited people from using recreational and entertainment facilities, including bars, museums and gyms.

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Restaurants and coffee shops are allowed to remain open, but must keep their occupancy below 50 people or half their authorized capacity, whichever is fewer. Take out and delivery of food can continue.

The Alberta government explained that essential services, including health-care facilities, grocery stores, shopping centres, the legislature and airports, will not be affected.

“These measures save lives,” Hinshaw said Thursday. “It’s really important that people understand this is not to be taken lightly.”

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