Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB public health update. In the last 24 hours, we confirmed 187 new cases of COVID19 for a total of 3,095 in Alberta. 1,273 people have recovered. (1/8)
I’m sad to report 2 more deaths since yesterday, bringing Alberta’s total deaths from #COVID19 to 61. One of these deaths was a resident from High Prairie’s J.B. Wood continuing care centre. I offer my sympathies to the family & friends of both people. (2/8)
We are monitoring outbreaks at Cargill, with 401 cases confirmed, at JBS, with 77 cases and the Kearl work camp, with 20 cases. Kearl employees who were on site are being swabbed to help control the outbreak. Workers at Cargill and JBS are also offered similar testing. (3/8)
All workers at Kearl, before the outbreak was confirmed April 16 and outbreak control measures put in place, must self-isolate for 14 days after they left camp. These workers may have been exposed without knowing and must watched for symptoms. (4/8)
Starting today, we are posting online the location and facility names of continuing care, long-term care and acute care sites where active outbreaks have occurred. There are currently 367 cases in continuing care facilities across Alberta from 29 active outbreaks. (5/8)
Nearly 2 months in & many people want to get back to a normal routine, open some businesses again. I understand. We are tempted because we haven’t seen the spread of the virus our model predicted. We collectively pulled together and had some success. But we’re not done. (6/8)
We succeeded in forming a barrier & prevented the full force of the virus from striking us, but the virus is still here & still has the potential to hit hard. We must remain vigilant & keep following public health measures for months to come. (7/8)
We must find a balance between minimizing the spread & ensuring society can function to support our mental, physical & economic health. Wash your hands, keep your distance. Thank you for responding to this challenge. (8/8)
