Today’s #COVID19AB public health update has less data due to a power failure Tuesday night which affected our reporting system. We hope to have this resolved by tomorrow. Over the past 24 hours we’ve had 162 new cases for a total of 2,158 and have completed 2,779 tests. (1/8)
Sadly I must report 2 deaths – a male in his 70s in the Calgary Zone and a female in her 80s in the North Zone. I express my sincere condolences to the loved ones of these individuals – we must remember every case is a person. (2/8)
I’d like to provide an update on the Kearl Lake oil sands project. AHS is working closely with them, as well as with the Cargill meat-packing plant in High River. All appropriate measures are being taken to keep workers healthy and safe. (3/8)
I know Albertans are also concerned about health care facilities. This is why aggressive measures are in place to protect the health of staff and patients, including prohibiting non-essential visitors and implementing strict infection prevention and control measures. (4/8)
It is important to remember that COVID-19 is not airborne. Only specific individuals are at risk when positive cases are identified. If patients are ever at risk of being exposed, we will alert Albertans. (5/8)
Albertans have asked if smokers or vapers are more at risk. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus. Smoking and e-cigarettes can expose the lungs to toxic chemicals. It is not clear whether this increases the risk of catching COVID-19, but it increases the risk of severe illness. (6/8)
I strongly recommend that anyone who smokes or vapes takes steps to quit or cut down during this pandemic. I know quitting is not easy. Contact your pharmacist or physician by phone to answer questions about your options. AHS also has programs that can help. (7/8)
Alcohol consumption can make things worse, including health issues, risk-taking behaviours, mental health and violence. It’s important to look after your mental and physical health. Please access supports if you’re struggling. We will get through this together. (8/8)
