Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB public health update. We have confirmed 319 new cases over the last 24 hours, bringing Alberta’s total to 3,720. Of these 1,357 have recovered. (1/9)
This includes 1 case in a worker from Sofina foods in Calgary Zone. To date, this is the only identified case at this plant, so it's not considered an outbreak. AHS is working with the plant to ensure prevention measures are in place and offering testing to all employees. (2/9)
The 2 deaths I mentioned yesterday related to the outbreak at JBS Foods, 1 employee and 1 household contact of an employee, have been confirmed as COVID-19 cases, bringing our total lives lost to 68. My condolences to everyone grieving the loss of a loved one right now. (3/9)
Some of my biggest concerns at this time are outbreaks in continuing care facilities, High River and Brooks. There are now 480 cases in workers from Cargill, 124 cases in employees & contractors at JBS Foods and 390 cases in continuing care facilities across Alberta. (4/9)
Aggressive outbreak measures are being implemented and they are effective. Unfortunately, the long incubation period of COVID-19 means we'll continue to see new cases. Exposures that happened before outbreak measures were in place can result in new cases for up to 2 weeks. (5/9)
Today, I want to clarify that mass gathering restrictions apply to all summer events or festivals. Gatherings of more than 15 people are prohibited, and gatherings of fewer than 15 must maintain a distance of 2 metres from one another. This decision was not made lightly. (6/9)
Festivals and large gatherings can be super-spreader events, where one sick person exposes others to COVID-19 - across households, communities and even large geographical distances. I know this is incredibly disappointing but we must do everything we can to prevent spread. (7/9)
I strongly advise against going to summer homes. There are still many outdoor activities where we can be physically distanced - going for walks, bike rides, visiting parks & working in gardens. Please apply public health measures to whatever you are doing, inside or out. (8/9)
We’re in the final testing phase of a new contact tracing app. This voluntary app will help speed up tracing efforts when someone tests positive. It notes if you came into contact with someone who tested positive but doesn’t track geographic location. (9/9)
