Thread by @LiveWire_DK

Today's briefing should start any moment here, folks. ICYMI, Dr. Hinshaw's COVID-19 test was negative and she'll be doing the update in person. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

Confirmed 23 news cases of COVID-19.

Total number of cases is 97.

Five cases in hospital. Two in ICU.

All other confirmed cases self-isolating in home. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

Public Health state of emergency dictates

Mass gatherings - no more than 50 people. Incl. weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies.

all other mass gatherings must be cancelled immediately. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

I'm just going to say you pretty much can't go anywhere there might be crowds.

Sit-down spots are limited to 50% of capacity.

Community kitchens, soup kitchens, etc are exempt, but must have rigid sanitization practices. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

"The only means we have to limit the spread of the virus is to limit contact between people," said Dr. Hinshaw.

It's REALLY time to heed this advice if you haven't yet. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

"take all appropriate steps to socially distance yourselves in your day to day lives."

Overcrowding on elevators, she said. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

One the critical things that prompted state of emergency is that there are cases where more community spread is a possibility.

More investigation is needed. More info tomorrow. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus.

The one Calgary gathering is responsible for 10 cases, Hinshaw said.

That's the one with 40 people in a #yyc home. #yeg #coronavirus

"We're fighting a war on two fronts," said Hinshaw.

Travel cases as people return home.

In addition, they're fighting the community front. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

"We need to raise our efforts to prevent more community transmission," said Dr. Hinshaw.

#yyc #yeg #coronavirus

If Albertans are worried their minor symptoms are COVID-19 related, you don't need a test to start self-isolating.

That's a good defense, folks. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

Talk about the numbers in the Calgary zone being much higher.

"Calgary zone tends to have higher international travel," said Hinshaw.

That's one of the big reasons, she said. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

Incubation of this virus extends to two weeks. With some community transmission, they expect their COVID-19 number to rise.

Within two weeks we'll be able to see the result of the current measures. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

People will continue coming back from outside the country, so we'll likely continue to see cases, said Dr. Hinshaw.

(Yesterday Premier Kenney mentioned effort to work with airport authorities to improve messaging when arrivals come in.) #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

How many are community transmission?

Approximately six cases, said Dr. Hinshaw. Some still under investigation. Not firm. Split between Cal and Edm. Public health investigation ongoing. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

For sure we are concerned about all of our staff.

AHS retired workers are contacting them to come and help (Inspiring - Darren comment). #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

When do we expect to go back to 'new normal?'

First time in recorded history for coronavirus pandemic. Using past history to help determine. Need to predict.

2009 pandemic - surge April May, slowdown in summer, second wave HIGHER than first in fall. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

"We need to prepare for what's in store in the fall," said Dr. Hinshaw.

Need to spread out the transmission. Maybe be able to ease off measures, but need to be prepped again in fall for increase in cases. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

Why summer? With flu, we're outdoors more and less likely to spread.

Dr. Hinshaw said we'll see if coronavirus responds the same way. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

three cases in the north zone. Working on a map to show where (North zone big).

Map should come within 24 hours, comms team said. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

Question on age ranges of cases:

- Majority of cases - 25 and 79.

"i feel that we are taking these aggressive measure at the right time." #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

Dr. Hinshaw said that other jurisdictions didn't put the measures in early enough - they waited too long to see community spread. We've been more aggressive.

"Hopeful, optimistic" these measures will help flatten the curve. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

When asked about weddings, etc, this summer, Dr. Hinshaw said it might be a good time to scale them back to less than 50 people.

Or, maybe cancel them.

She said that maybe measures will be slightly relaxed by then. #yyc #yeg #coronavirus

OK. That's it for this aft from the province.

The city of Calgary will be updating on their plans at 4:30. Stay tuned. I'll be here for that one as well. #yyc #yyc #coronavirus #washhands #PhysicalDistancing