Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB public health update. In the last 24 hours, we confirmed 138 new cases of COVID19, bringing our total to 1,870. 128 are in the Calgary Zone. It has, consistently, the highest rates. So we’re doing more testing there. (1/8)
914 of our total cases have recovered, 37 more than yesterday. We are seeing a steady rise in recoveries, but we should also expect to see a rise in cases, a result of expanded testing. In the last 24 hours we have completed 2,868 COVID tests. (2/8)
I’m sad to report 2 more deaths. One was at the McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Facility, bringing the # of deaths at that facility to 21. The other was at Shepherd’s Care Kensington facility in Edmonton. My condolences to the loved ones of all who died. (3/8)
214 cases have been confirmed at continuing care facilities, and 30 deaths – every one a tragedy. We are doing all we can to keep seniors and other people living and working in these facilities safe & healthy & we are focusing measures on these high risk areas. (4/8)
New measurements to limit the spread include requiring all workers in these facilities to work at only one site. We’re working to do this in a way that ensures facilities have enough staff to care for residents. We are also testing staff & residents who display symptoms. (5/8)
Any resident who has routine interactions with staff is screened daily for symptoms, including a temperature check & observations about their health. Staff who need to be within 2 metres of each other at work must wear face masks for the duration of their shift. (6/8)
We have also mandated enhanced cleaning and disinfection requirements & mandatory outbreak protocols to protect staff & residents. AHS is closely monitoring every outbreak, supporting the facility to make sure proper outbreak protocols are in place. (7/8)
We hear the concerns of those with loved ones in continuing care facilities. I share their concern and assure you, our top priority is protecting the health of residents and staff. We are watching closely & will continue to modify our approach to keep them safe. (8/8)
