Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB update. 9,754 Albertans have recovered. The active number of cases has risen to 1,191. We continue to identify high numbers of new cases: 97 on Friday, 67 on Saturday, 74 on Sunday and 65 on Monday from more than 34,000 tests. (1/7)
Sadly, I must also report five additional deaths since Friday, including three at the Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre. My sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones & sympathies to those who have suffered severe complications. (2/7)
One frequent question is why we closed classes in the spring, when there were fewer active cases, but are resuming in-person classes now. We now know much more about this virus. (3/7)
Evidence in jurisdictions around the world suggest that schools don’t appear to a major driver of community spread. I will continue to watch the emerging evidence closely, and adapt my recommendations as needed in the days and weeks to come. (4/7)
The number of active cases has decreased by more than 200 since last week. There are now 1,191 active cases, down from more than 1,400 on July 28. Also, nine regions have now left the provincial watch list. We still have a long way to go, but these are encouraging signs. (5/7)
The choices we all make now will determine caseloads through late August and into September. It is within our control to get cases as low as possible for the fall, to support students returning to school and businesses that are returning to work. (6/7)
Simple steps save lives, and can slow the spread. Wash your hands, physically distance, wear a mask when you can’t and, if you’re even slightly sick, stay home and get tested. #COVID19AB (7/7)
