The latest:

(CBC)

What you need to know today: In Alberta

The timeline for the outbreak could be longer than many assume and the province said drastic measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 may be needed until the end of May.

Though concerned about the availability of ventilators in Canada, Dr. Samir Gupta is encouraged by the first COVID-19 vaccine trials. 5:45

Jason Kenney also warned Albertans on Wednesday to prepare for economic hardship unseen since the 1930s.

Those hoping to take comfort from the stress of the outbreak will have to find an option that does not involve adopting a pet, as shelters across the province close their doors.

Fearing a potential shortage of ventilators, one rural Canadian doctor has rigged up a fix. 2:04

Cases have been identified in all zones of the province:

101 cases in the Calgary zone

29 cases in the Edmonton zone

10 cases in the North zone

Three cases in the Central zone

Three cases in the South zone

What you need to know today: In Canada

Details on the federal government's plan to send money to affected Canadians continues to be released, with funds expected to flow on April 1.

Details on who qualifies and how to access the funds can be found here.

You might choose to self-isolate at home if you’ve been exposed, or think you’ve been exposed, to COVID-19. Ellen Mauro explains what to do. 1:50

As of 9 p.m. ET Thursday, there more than 800 confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Canada.

Presumptive cases are individuals who have tested positive, but still await confirmation with the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg. Not all provinces are listing figures on those who have recovered.

Ontario: 258 cases, including five listed by the province as resolved and two deaths.

British Columbia: 271 confirmed cases, including five recovered and eight deaths.

Alberta: 146 confirmed cases.

Quebec: 121 confirmed cases, including one recovered and one death.

Saskatchewan: 20 confirmed and presumptive cases.

New Brunswick: Seven confirmed and nine presumptive cases.

Manitoba: 17 confirmed and presumptive cases.

Nova Scotia: 14 confirmed and presumptive cases.

Prince Edward Island: Two confirmed cases.

Newfoundland and Labrador: One confirmed and two presumptive cases.

Repatriated Canadians: 10 confirmed cases.

Self-assessment

Alberta Health Services has an online self-assessment tool that you can use to determine if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Testing is focused on individuals who have developed symptoms within 14 days of returning from travel outside Canada, or who have had contact with someone diagnosed with the illness.

You play a role in how effectively the virus moves from person to person, says family physician Dr. Peter Lin. 0:48

The province "strongly requests" that Albertans who have returned to Canada after March 12 self-isolate for 14 days. Unless your situation is critical and requires a call to 911, Albertans are advised to call Health Link at 811 before visiting a physician, hospital or other health-care facility.

You can find Alberta Health Services' latest coronavirus updates here.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Common symptoms include: Fever.

Cough.

Tiredness. But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death. What should I do if I feel sick? Isolate yourself and call your local public health authority. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. How can I protect myself? Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Be aware of evolving travel advisories to different regions. More detailed information on the outbreak is available on the federal government's website. Important reminder: The World Health Organization said more than 80 per cent of COVID-19 infections are estimated to be mild.