Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB update. 9,100+ Albertans have recovered. We’ve conducted 8,700 tests in the last 24hrs & identified 113 new cases. 91 people are in hospital, 18 in ICUs. To date, more than 676,000 tests have been performed on 566,000 people. (1/9)
Sadly I must report 5 new deaths, all at the Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre. This is a stark example of the devastation this virus can cause. I offer my condolences to the families & friends of these individuals & to all who have lost loved ones during this time. (2/9)
We continue to expand & improve testing capacity. AHS is deploying more staff to assessment centres, extending hours to meet demand and hiring more staff for the fall. (3/9)
To make it easier for more Albertans to access testing we are expanding testing in community pharmacies. More than 10,000 people were safely tested at pilot pharmacies last month. Any pharmacy that wants to offer testing & can meet safety requirements can now enroll. (4/9)
We encourage Albertans to be patient, it may take some pharmacies a bit of time to enrol and some may choose not to. This program is voluntary. To find out if your pharmacy offers testing, visit ab.bluecross.ca/news/asymptoma…. The list will be updated as more pharmacies enrol. (5/9)
Pharmacy testing is only for people with no symptoms & no known exposure to COVID-19. If you have symptoms or know you’ve been exposed, continue to book testing through the AHS online self-assessment tool or by calling 811. (6/9)
We are carefully reviewing evidence from international sources and other jurisdictions on masks. Our guidance will be updated in the coming weeks when we complete this evidence review. (7/9)
This long weekend, we can enjoy camping, going to a restaurant, having a BBQ, watching a hockey game or visiting a loved one at a continuing care facility. We just need to make a few adjustments to make sure we’re following public health guidance to the best of our ability.(8/9)
Physically distance, wear a mask in crowded places & wash your hands. Stay home if you’re feeling unwell & arrange for testing. Only by observing these measures can we all help prevent the spread while staying socially connected this August long weekend & beyond. (9/9)
