Thread by @CBCRaffy

@CMOH_Alberta says the current context is "grim," says 1,155 new cases since yesterday. Third time in a week we've reached over 1,000 new cases threshold. Eleven new cases.
cbc.ca/news/canada/ed…

@CMOH_Alberta says two individuals died in their 30s this week. They had co-morbidities, but not on their own "life-threatening."

@AHS_media working to increase capacity for #COVID19 patients if needed.

11 new deaths** rather, apologies, typing fast.

"The system is taxed," @CMOH_Alberta says, urges Albertans to follow all measures in place. "Keep healthcare facilities safe."

Says small no. of people going to health care facilities to see without disclosing #COVID19-like symptoms. "Please be honest," she says.

@CMOH_Alberta says "answer honestly and fully" about any questions related to your health @ health care facilities.

Outbreaks or alerts @ 294 schools in Alberta. Likely transmission at 166 schools., @CMOH_Alberta says.

@CMOH_Alberta says abide by all public-health measures "even if you don't like them." Does not announce new ones. Says following the ones in place more important than ever to avoid new ones.

@Jeffslack660 asks if measures are working and if Albertans should expect more, similar to Ontario. "Our current case nos. remain extremely concerning," @CMOH_Alberta says. New recos are being prepared, no decisions made.

@jasonfherring asks if there's a pending mask mandate. Alberta now the last province not to have one. @CMOH_Alberta says all decisions are discussed carefully, nothing firm yet.

Questions have temporarily stopped as there appears to be a problem reaching the operator.

We're getting another operator....

Don Braid from Postmedia is up next, asking about ICU beds. "At what pace can you make these beds available?," keep up w/ coming surge.

@CMOH_Alberta says at the moment @AHS_media absolutely responding to the need in a timely way but can't keep up the pace forever, will take away capacity for other patients.

@DeanBennettCP asks abt. specific reasons for group fitness class measures. @CMOH_Alberta says that they've looked around at where the transmissions are happening., have seen "significant number" of cases.

@JWongGlobalNews asks what specific triggers are being used to determine whether new restrictions will be brought in. @CMOH_Alberta says they're watching R Values and additional cases. Then looked at acute care capacity in Edmonton.

Says based on capacity issue they put in the previous additional restrictions in Edmonton and Calgary.

@ByJamesKeller asks abt. how difficult it will be to determine where some of the cases we still don't know abt. are coming from, and points out there are studies that point to restaurants and bars as sources of transmission.

@CMOH_Alberta says there are measures to prevent spread in bars and restaurants in Alberta, "not surprising" you see spread in places like the U.S.

Well...I asked what recommendations specifically @CMOH_Alberta has made to the government this week. She said that discussion hasn't happened yet. (It's Friday. We've had three days in the last 7 days of more than 1,000 new cases).

@KevinCTV asks when we might see testing # again + if it'd be easier to communicate urgency of recos if @jkenney or @shandro were present (Kenney is in self-iso due to exposure but did appear via phone recently).

@CMOH_Alberta says she always does her best to provide updates. She says elected officials typically attend when there are annos to be made, or changes.

and that was it. "Thank you and have a safe weekend." Next update Monday.