Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary thread of my remarks from today's #COVID19AB update.

Most of all, I want to emphasize how critical it is that all Albertans take this seriously and do their best to limit social interactions and practice social distancing.

We must all act now. (1/12)

Since yesterday, we have confirmed 27 new cases of COVID-19 and we suspect up to eight are community transmission.

This means that 146 cases have now been identified in Alberta.

Two of these cases are being cared for in the ICU. (2/12)

Sadly, I must also report the first death from COVID-19 in our province. This individual was a male in his 60s, with underlying medical conditions.

He passed away yesterday after being admitted in the ICU in the Edmonton Zone on March 12. (3/12)

This is extremely sad news, and all of us involved in Alberta’s COVID-19 response feel this very deeply.

Our thoughts are with this man’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. (4/12)

As heartbreaking as this news is, it was expected. This is a dangerous virus.

While most people who become ill with COVID-19 will experience only mild symptoms, it can make others very sick. (5/12)

I know that this news will scare people and add to their anxiety.

If you are struggling with today’s news, reach out to friends and loved ones and talk. Tell them how you are feeling. (6/12)

The restrictions we have put in place on mass gatherings, the closures of public recreation facilities and the limitations on restaurant capacity. These are all efforts to protect the public’s health and to prevent spread. (7/12)

We will get through this, but to do that, we need everyone’s help.

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

I want to emphasize that now is NOT the time for social gatherings. (8/12)

Practice social distancing if you must go out:

✅Shop during off-peak hours
✅Wipe down baskets & shopping carts
✅Sanitize your hands when you get off the bus or train
✅Use utensils if you are eating out
✅Avoid open snack dishes such as nuts or candy

(9/12)

To assist Albertans, we have launched new resources online for social distancing to try to make things easier.

If you are wondering what steps you should take, visit alberta.ca/COVID19 and click “Help Prevent the Spread” in the Prevent and Prepare section. (10/12)

I have heard concerns about compliance with the public health orders we have issued to close certain facilities and limit the capacity of others.

If you have concerns about an establishment, please do not call 911. We must leave that line open for true emergencies. (11/12)

We have put aggressive measures in place to prevent the spread of this deadly infection & protect those who are most vulnerable.

These measures are hard on all of us. I urge you to take them seriously.

We must continue to stand strong together…even if from a distance. (12/12)