Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB public health update. We have confirmed 297 new cases over the last 24 hours, bringing Alberta’s total to 4,017. 1,397 have recovered. I must also report 5 additional deaths, bringing our total lives lost to 72. (1/8)
Of the new cases, 3 are in a First Nation community in Calgary Zone. The community and Indigenous Services Canada are working together to prevent further spread. AHS is also investigating 2 cases at Mountain View Poultry in Okotoks. (2/8)
I’ve heard your disappointment & anger about summer events. Modelling may have left the impression the virus will go away over summer. That is not the case. It will be with us for many months & spreads rapidly through social interactions, such as the bonspiel in Alberta. (3/8)
Other social gatherings have had over 80% of attendees infected. From these events, a single gathering resulted in 13 - 40 additional cases and spread to household contacts of those who attended. The common theme is the source did not know they had COVID-19. (4/8)
I am not blaming people, these gatherings happened early in our epidemic, before we fully understood transmission before the onset of symptoms. I am underlining that the social gatherings we enjoy, even in the summer, can result in significant spread. (5/8)
It is important to support people affected by COVID-19. There is no reason to assume every Cargill employee or continuing care worker is infected. They should not be prevented from accessing businesses. People affected by this outbreak need support and compassion. (6/8)
In the interest of transparency, we’ll begin posting health care worker case numbers next week, beginning with AHS staff. We are working to include physician & Covenant Health data as well. This does not mean health care workers are at greater risk of spreading the virus. (7/8)
These are extraordinary times and I am asking a lot. I hear every day of the things Albertans are giving up and it does not seem fair to ask for more. Unfortunately, this virus does not respect our feelings. We can only protect one another by continuing to make sacrifices. (8/8)
