Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB update. 6,587 Albertans have recovered leaving 344 active cases. Currently, 48 people are hospitalized, with six people in ICUs. There are 19 new cases out of 4,997 new tests in the last 24 hours. (1/14)
Sadly, I must also report two new deaths. I wish to extend my condolences to friends and families of these individuals & to all Albertans who have lost a loved one in this time. (2/14)
I’d like to acknowledge National #AccessAbility week which calls us to recognize people of all abilities & work towards a more inclusive society. Thank you to those who have reached out to share their experiences & ideas for improving access during #COVID19AB. (3/14)
Today, I’d like to recognize a few specific examples of the many actions taken by Indigenous groups across the province to protect their community members. I want to express my gratitude for all the ways that they are keeping their communities safe. (4/14)
The Métis Settlements General Council has made emergency funding available to Settlements for local emergency plan implementation & their health board has had weekly meetings with AHS to bring about some much needed health and safety services. (5/14)
The Métis Nation of Alberta pandemic supports have included financial assistance for those facing economic hardship due to COVID-19 & the development of Métis-specific public health communications. (6/14)
The MNA has also helped transition cultural celebrations such as the annual Métis Fest to online platforms. This recognizes that Métis community, culture and kinship ties are key to sustaining the strength and resiliency of Métis Albertans during this difficult time. (7/14)
The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary assembled an Indigenous COVID-19 Task Force to ensure their most at-risk community members have access to basic necessities to carry them through & to provide much needed wrap-around supports and services. (8/14)
The Saddle Lake Cree Nation, located on Treaty 6 territory, worked hard on COVID-19 testing, making sure it was easily available for community members. Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, on Treaty 8 territory, also made testing a priority after confirming their first case. (9/14)
Both Nations established drive-thru services & worked with health centres to test community members. This easy, local access to testing has made testing available to all in Chipewyan Prairie & has ruled out COVID-19 in all those who have been symptomatic in Saddle Lake. (10/14)
Stoney Nakoda, on Treaty 7 territory, created a dedicated space for those who needed to isolate but are unable to do so at home. This facility stands ready to make sure that safe isolation is supported for anyone who should be ill. (11/14)
Finally, the Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation, on Treaty 6 territory, has started #ProtectOurElders. The campaign encourages Indigenous youth living in Canada to be partners in protecting Elders from exposure to COVID-19. (12/14)
I want to congratulate all those involved in these examples for their locally-driven efforts to support community members through this difficult time. (13/14)
Everyone's hard work has brought us to this point – where the total number of active cases continues to decline & the increase in new cases is manageable. Thank you for your hard work & sacrifices. (14/14)
