Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB public health update.

It’s important to remember that we are all in this together.

That means now, more than ever, keeping a physical distance. Now, more than ever, taking care of each other. (1/14)

Since our last update, we’ve confirmed 42 new cases of COVID-19 and suspect up to 11 may be community transmission.

This means that 301 cases have now been identified in our province. (2/14)

18 individuals have been hospitalized and seven are receiving care in the ICU.

There have been no additional deaths and three Albertans have recovered from COVID-19 so far. (3/14)

An update on the investigation into the Edmonton bonspiel with Western Canadian physicians that occurred March 11-14.

All attendees have been contacted & are self-isolating. (4/14)

We have determined that 11 of the 47 Alberta health care workers who attended the event have tested positive for COVID-19.

Many are physicians. Some worked early last week before notification of the case associated with the event.

All contacts are being notified. (5/14)

Despite the measures taken at the event, transmission took place.

This is an important reminder that:

✅️even mild symptoms, minor sore throat or runny nose can result in the spread of infection

✅️commonly touched surfaces can be a mechanism for spread (6/14)

COVID-19 does not discriminate.

All of us need to be vigilant with regular hand hygiene, staying home even with minor symptoms, and keeping unwashed hands well away from our faces. (7/14)

Additional updates on COVID-19 public health measures.

Self-isolation guidelines have been updated from 14 days to 10 days following the onset of symptoms, provided your symptoms have resolved. (8/14)

Travellers returning from out of Canada will still need to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return as a precaution.

Should they start to experience symptoms, they must also follow the same 10-day guidance. (9/14)

Our testing protocols have been updated to ensure we prioritize those who need it the most.

We will focus testing efforts on people hospitalized with respiratory illness and residents of continuing care and similar facilities. (10/14)

Later this week, we will be prioritizing testing for healthcare workers to ensure the physicians and nurses we rely on can return to the frontline as soon as possible. (11/14)

Individuals with mild symptoms who do not fit these categories will not be tested and should stay home & self-isolate for min. 10 days from the start of their symptoms, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. (12/14)

I understand some Albertans may be upset with this change and I can appreciate the comfort and certainty that testing can bring.

It’s important to remember that the majority of people who get COVID-19 experience minor symptoms—if any. Those who do must self-isolate. (13/14)

I know that these measures continue to strain families, businesses and all Albertans. I appreciate how hard it is to be separated from family & friends during such stressful times.

Now more than ever we must find creative ways to maintain our bonds & support each other. (14/14)