Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a recap of my remarks from this afternoon’s update on #COVID19AB.

As was announced by Premier Kenney earlier this afternoon, we are taking new, aggressive measures in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and I will detail those measures in this thread. (1/14)

I can also confirm that my test results for COVID-19 were negative and I am feeling better and pleased to be back with you for today’s update. (2/14)

Over the last 24 hours, we’ve confirmed 23 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 97, up from 74.

There still remains only 5 hospitalized cases. All other confirmed cases continue to self-isolate and are expected to make a full recovery. (3/14)

The Government of Alberta is finalizing the signing of a state of public health emergency.

As a result, there will be new public health measures that will limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and crowded spaces. (4/14)

Effective immediately, mass gatherings are limited to no more than 50 attendees. That includes places of worship, funerals and weddings.

Any other organized gatherings of more than 50 people must be cancelled immediately. (5/14)

All Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreational facilities and private entertainment facilities, including casinos, racing entertainment centres, and bingo halls. (6/14)

This prohibition also extends to bars & nightclubs, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres & libraries.

Sit-down restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, food courts & other food-serving facilities are limited to 50% capacity to a max. of 50 people. (7/14)

Grocery stores, shopping centres, health care facilities, airports & other essential services are not included.

Not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens & religious kitchens are also exempt, but sanitization practices are expected to be in place. (8/14)

Our health care system is preparing for an increase in cases that need hospital care. Alberta Health Services is postponing all scheduled and elective surgeries.

Urgent and emergency surgery, as well as oncology and scheduled caesarean procedures will continue. (9/14)

AHS will be contacting Albertans scheduled for procedures and will reschedule as soon as possible.

We understand that many of you will be anxious for news regarding your surgery. We ask for your patience. Please do not call 811 or your clinic. You will be called by AHS. (10/14)

Frontline teams will be redeployed to other areas of the health care system to meet demand and ease pressure points.

I understand the tremendous impact these measures will have on all of us. But I stress that these measures are necessary. (11/14)

I am also advising all Albertans to take all appropriate steps to socially distance themselves from others during their day-to-day lives.

☑️ Try to avoid overcrowding on elevators, for example
☑️ Stay 2 metres away from others when possible
☑️ Be mindful of others

(12/14)

All measures, however small they may seem, play an important part in reducing the risk for all Albertans.

Practicing good hygiene habits such as washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds and covering coughs and sneezes will help to stop the spread of COVID-19. (13/14)

The measures introduced today will be hard on all of us, but I believe we are ready, and able, to rise to the challenge before us.

Albertans’ health is and will always be our top priority. (14/14)