Thread by @JWongGlobalNews

Kenney says there were 802 #COVID cases yday and 609 are being reported today.

He says there are 171 people in hospital with 33 in ICU.

He says #AB is at a turning point. If we don't bend the curve, we will face tougher choices in the days ahead, the premier says.

"It's time for us all to up our game," Kenney says. He says other jurisdictions have introduced sweeping lockdowns that destroy lives and livelihoods. He says the AB govt will always follow the evidence and data.

Kenney says the voluntary and mandatory measures in #yeg and #yyc haven't been enough to bend the curve enough to where we need it to be.

Kenney says effective immediately, in #yyc and #yeg, residents need to stop hosting social gatherings at home. Now is not the time to host parties or large, extended family dinners, he says.

In communities that are on the watch list, the 15 person gathering limit is now mandatory (like how it is in #yeg and #yyc).

The voluntary measures of limiting cohorts to 3 and wearing masks in indoor workplaces are now being expanded to communities on the watch list, Kenney says.

Kenney says daily reporting of cases will start again, starting with this weekend.

He says the actions we take now will help us further bend the curve before Christmas.

Hinshaw says there have been 8 additional deaths over the last 2 days.

Hinshaw says there have been 26483 tests completed over the last 2 days.

Hinshaw says the rise in case numbers is concerning. She's asking Albertans to reduce their social circles and meet virtually.

Clarification on whether the pause on gatherings in #yeg and #yyc is mandatory? Kenney says it is voluntary. He says it is a strong request.

Why not move to a lockdown? Kenney says it would be a massive violation of people's lives, personal liberties and ability to put food on the table. 1/2

2/2 What advice did you provide to the premier, Dr. Hinshaw? Hinshaw doesn't speak specifics. She says she is responsible for protecting Albertans from COVID as well as their overall health. She says these are difficult decisions.

How are Albertans doing when it comes to personal responsibility? Kenney says Albertans have done admirably well the last few months, until recently.

Would a lockdown achieve the goal? Is there a philosophical reason you don't want a lockdown? Kenney says the goal is not to bring cases down to zero, goal is to not overwhelm the health system without hammering people's physical, mental health.

Kenney also says why shut down industries (like restaurants) if the problem is social gatherings. He says if people in #yeg, #yyc don't respond to today's new measures, they won't have a choice but to bring in more stringent measures.

And quick clarification, Kenney says this is not mandatory, it is voluntary.