Thread by @Tommy_Slick

I'm on the COVID-19 beat today, follow along for details as we will soon get an update on Alberta's numbers after the August long weekend. #ab #covid19 #yyc

For reference, here are how the numbers stand now after the last update on Friday.

Case numbers going down!
Friday: 97 cases
Saturday: 67 cases
Sunday: 74 cases
Monday: 65 cases

85 are in hospital with 23 in ICU. Five new deaths reported over the weekend, three of them at the Southgate Care Centre in Edmonton. It is now the deadliest outbreak in the province

Dr. Deena Hinshaw says this outbreak is devastating and shows how they have to be extra thoughtful of the most vulnerable members of society.

Some comments on the school plan, after this morning's presser. First off, Hinshaw says they have learned a lot since they closed the schools in the spring. This is why they feel better about opening in the fall.

Here's the updated chart. Case numbers down significantly in Calgary Zone.

Back to schools, Hinshaw notes how she will continue to look at emerging evidence and the plan will be continuing to shift. But in the good news, these numbers show we have the ability to slow the spread. People answered the challenge to cut down on infections.

We can continue to make good choices now to ensure case numbers are low when school restarts next month. Also, now is the time to teach your kids about wearing masks.

A question from @KevinCTV about a second wave coming. Hinshaw says this virus is a bit different than other ones, where numbers go down in the summer. So that shows the falling cases are almost purely through our actions. Precautions will determine that wave.

On a lengthy question about social media trolls, Dr. Hinshaw says she has a very serious commitment to protecting Albertans and her own kids will be going to school next month. Her recommendations are being made on best evidence.

There is no perfect answer for schools, she says. It will be a bit of a scary experience and there will be worries. But, if we only think about COVID then we miss the chance to balance the overall health of children, including going back to school.

Hinshaw says the back to school plan provides that balance, and acknowledges some families will choose to keep kids home. Ultimately, it is good to have a discussion on the topic but in her perspective the recommendations have a solid base behind them.

What would be needed to close a school? Hinshaw says it starts with a thorough investigation after a case is found, and who came in contact with them. But it's not about total cases, there has to be ongoing exposure. Closure depends on that factor, mainly.