Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB public health update. In the last 24 hours, we have confirmed 98 new cases, bringing our total to 1,348. We suspect up to 204 cases may be community transmission, an increase of 52 from yesterday. (1/10)
The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 remains steady. 40 are currently in hospital & the number of patients in ICU is 16. (2/10)
Sadly, we’ve had one more death, bringing Alberta’s total to 24. A woman in her 80s was the 11th death at McKenzie Towne Long Term Care Home in Calgary. My heart goes out to her loved ones & to residents and staff who grieve the loss of so many lives. (3/10)
Our lab is doing tremendous work to complete tests & we are second only to Australia in our testing rates. It’s important that we complete as many tests as we can, but be must also be purposeful in our testing. (4/10)
Testing allows us to diagnose and treat those who are at greatest risk of severe outcomes. We prioritize testing of those in hospital with respiratory illnesses so we can diagnose and treat people at most risk. (5/10)
Testing must also identify community transmission & curb spread to front-line health care workers, so we test those at highest risk of exposure. Testing also tells us if measures we’re taking are working & if we must take further steps.(6/10)
We have expanded our testing priorities to include those with COVID symptoms who are on the front lines, like group home or shelter workers, first responders, those involved in COVID-19 enforcement, correctional staff & anyone of 65 or older who has symptoms.(7/10)
It’s important to stay home if you’re feeling sick and take the AHS online assessment. The assessment will then direct those who need testing to 811 to arrange for a swab. (8/10)
As we see fewer travel-related cases, this is when community cases may start to rise. We must continue to do everything we can to prevent the spread in the community. The less you are out, the less chance you have of contracting or spreading this virus. (9/10)
Contact the AHS Mental Health Help Line if you are struggling. Even though we must continue to stay apart, we can and should continue to stay connected. (10/10)
