This summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB public health update has less data than normal due to a data centre outage that shut down our data feed from the lab. I appreciate your patience & will have complete data tomorrow. (1/8)
In the last 24 hours we confirmed 126 new cases of COVID19, bringing our total to 1,996, though that’s preliminary at this time. I can also report that there have been no deaths in the last 24 hours. (2/8)
Since yesterday, we completed 2,853 tests. We saw a rise in testing numbers as we have expanded testing to all symptomatic Albertans. Tomorrow I’ll have updates on cases & the latest numbers for recovered cases, hospitalization & continuing care reporting. (3/8)
There has been a new outbreak at the Kearl Lake oils sands project near Fort McMurray. 3 people connected with the work camp have tested positive for the virus & 6 more are isolating as they await test results. (4/8)
AHS is working closely with Kearl to implement outbreak procedures at the site and minimize any risk of transmission. This includes appropriate cleaning & infection prevention & continuing to follow my guidelines for managers and operators of industrial work camps. (5/8)
It also includes physical distancing, isolating employees with COVID19 symptoms and limiting gatherings. I thank employees, managers, camp operators and employers for keeping camps functional and contributing to our economy, while working to keep everyone safe. (6/8)
In the last few weeks, some meat packing plants in southern AB reported cases of COVID19. Local public health has worked with these locations to ensure close contacts are isolated and prevent transmission. There is no risk to the public from food produced in these plants. (7/8)
One facility is in High River. To accommodate the need for more testing, AHS will open an assessment centre within a week, accessible through the AHS online assessment. Those without internet can call 811. To all businesses, please follow public health recommendations. (8/8)
