Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB public health update. In the last 24 hours we confirmed 81 new cases of COVID19, bringing our total to 1,732. We suspect 254 cases may be a result of community transmission. 877 Albertans have recovered, 54 more than yesterday. (1/8)
Sadly, there have been 2 more deaths in Alberta. One was a resident at Carewest Sarcee continuing care facility in Calgary Zone. I offer my condolences to friends & families of both of these people & to all who have lost loved ones. 46 people have died so far. (2/8)
We have seen in other jurisdictions that aggressive testing is essential to controlling the spread. Our provincial lab is doing a remarkable job of increasing its capacity to meet demand; it’s tested more than 77,000 people & completed 2,465 tests in the last 24 hours. (3/8)
We have recalibrated our lab system to expand its capacity, ensuring those most in need or at highest risk can get tested. We expanded testing to include health care workers, first responders, correctional facility staff & those 65 or older who have COVID symptom. (4/8)
Effective tomorrow ANYONE with fever, cough, shortness of breath, a runny nose or sore throat may get tested. If you have these symptoms, stay home. Then take the AHS online assessment. If you need testing, you’ll be directed to 811 where a swab will be arranged. (5/8)
As we increase testing, we will see a higher # of confirmed COVID cases. This may be concerning, but remember that the # of daily confirmed cases compared to daily tests has remained similar throughout – indicating that the rate of infection remains stable. (6/8)
Our hospitalization & ICU admittance rates have also remained stable. I’ll be releasing more precise hospitalization rates, giving a better picture of the virus across the province. We will continue to adapt our testing & surveillance approach as our knowledge grows. (7/8)
Thank you to everyone who did their part to prevent the spread of COVID over the long weekend. It’s difficult to celebrate your faith from a distance, but many of you found innovative ways to connect, including attending a drive-in church service. Your efforts saved lives. (8/8)
