Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update. I would like to acknowledge all of the healthcare workers across AB supporting our pandemic response. Behind every case is a long list of people working very hard. I hope you know your work is making a difference. Thank you. (1/12)

We underwent a system upgrade over the weekend & were unable to share numbers yesterday. Thank you for your patience. Over the last 4 days, we averaged 567 new cases/day. This is a large & troubling number. On Fri. we IDd 581 new cases & conducted 13,100+ tests. (2/12)

On Sat. we completed 13K+ tests & IDd 525 new cases. Sun. we diagnosed 592 cases & had almost 11,300 tests. Yesterday, we conducted 8,400+ tests and IDd 570 new cases. Our positivity rate has risen to 6.8% & almost 9% in #YEG. There are 167 people in hospital w/27 in ICU. (3/12)

Babies are still being born, accidents are still occurring & Albertans continue to experience urgent health needs. Our top priority is protecting the health system to ensure COVID-19 does not threaten our ability to provide essential care for all health issues. (4/12)

Sadly I must report 15 COVID-19 deaths since Friday. This is a heartbreaking number that underscores the seriousness of this pandemic. Every death represents a person who was loved & who will be mourned. My deepest condolences to everyone who is grieving today. (5/12)

AHS has confirmed 173 schools that previously had alerts have had 0 transmission – students & staff are back in class. There are active alerts or outbreaks in 252 schools, about 10% of all schools, w/778 active cases total. This incl 117 schools on outbreak w/50 on watch. (6/12)

In-school transmission has likely occurred in 99 schools, 56 have had only 1 new case occur. These cases - as well as those in hospitals & continuing care - are a reflection of community transmission. We need to reduce transmission if we want to avoid difficult choices. (7/12)

I’ve heard some dismiss COVID-19 as no different from influenza. I want to stress the differences. In the last 4 influenza seasons the peak # of deaths in a year is 92. To date, we’ve had 338 COVID-19 despite extraordinary measures. There is also no vaccine for COVID-19. (8/12)

COVID-19 has a greater impact on the health system. In the past 5yrs the max number of acute care influenza outbreaks in 1yr was 40 in 2017-18. To date, we’ve had 40+ COVID-19 outbreaks in acute care settings. COVID-19 is here & it’s not going away anytime soon. (9/12)

We’re seeing a large portion of transmission from households. 1 family member develops symptoms & infects immediate & extended family. Protect those around you. If you’re sick w/even mild symptoms, isolate in a separate room, use a diff bathroom & bedroom if possible. (10/12)

Wear a mask & disinfect surfaces after using them. Don’t share meals or spend time in close contact w/family, like watching a movie. Don’t leave the house, even if your symptoms are mild & even if it’s an important family gathering. That is how 1 case can lead to 10-20. (11/12)

In the next few days, we will start to see if recent measures, incl limits on #YEG & #YYC social gatherings are reducing transmission rate. If not, we must consider other options. We will continue to follow the evidence. It's critical we all follow public health measures. (12/12)