Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB public health update. I’m also sharing details on new and immediate public health measures that will support our efforts in slowing the spread of COVID-19. (1/7)

Since yesterday, we've confirmed 56 new cases of COVID-19 & suspect up to 42 cases are community transmission. This means 542 cases have now been identified in Alberta.

This includes 2 new cases at the McKenzie Towne long-term care facility, totalling 15 at the facility. (2/7)

I'm pleased to confirm 33 Albertans have now recovered, an increase of 6 from yesterday’s reported numbers.

We have the highest rate of testing in Canada and have taken all necessary measures, yet we continue to see increases in confirmed cases in every age group. (3/7)

In response, more aggressive measures will be taken.

All gatherings are now limited to 15 people or less and all public health guidelines must be followed.

We're also restricting "close contact" services. Find a full list of services affected at bit.ly/39rMNYq (4/7)

To prepare our health care system, AHS will be postponing non-urgent diagnostic imaging procedures.

I understand this may be distressing to some but to be clear, anyone needing an urgent or emergent outpatient CT or MRI scan will still receive one. (5/7)

Alberta Precision Laboratories and DynaLIFE are asking physicians and community providers to immediately stop all non-essential and routine laboratory testing.

Again, any blood tests critical to a patient’s immediate care will still occur. (6/7)

These measures are not ones we take lightly and I know they will impact the lives of many.

We all have a role to play and must continue to do everything we can to flatten the curve and keep our loved ones healthy. (7/7)