I am now on COVID-19 duty and awaiting the daily update from @CMOH_Alberta Dr. Deena Hinshaw. Details in this thread. Listen live on @660NEWS or watch the stream on our website. #yyc #yeg #ableg
The latest numbers have just come in, 1,733 new cases on Sunday. 
The proceedings have begun. Dr. Hinshaw starts by recognizing Albertans in areas of enhanced measures who have ensured they are following them to the best of their abilities.
Hinshaw says she is also aware of concerning events, such as the anti-mask protests and packed malls. She is encouraging people to follow the guidance to ensure everyone is safe.
In addition to the 1,733 new cases, Hinshaw says the positivity rate on tests is over 8 per cent. Eight more deaths in the past 24 hours. Here's the details on the deaths.
Over 20,000 tests were performed in the last day. Hinshaw says she is "alarmed" about the consistent rise in cases. Won't see any effects of increased measures, hopefully, until a couple more weeks from now.
Hinshaw says we might be feeling a lot of emotions, ranging from anger to denial, and these are just the feelings of grief. Says these emotions are a normal thing. Doesn't mean we have lost the battle, just that it is a hard one to fight.
Callas on all Albertans to determine how they can change their lives to protect everyone.
There are now 41 active cases linked to an outbreak at the Calgary Remand Centre. Aggressive testing underway along with figuring out how to slow the spread.
On the new measures announced last week, Hinshaw said we can expect to wait 10-14 days to see results. Actions this week will determine how the virus spreads in the lead up to the holidays.
"We are all at risk of COVID-19," she says. Experiences with the virus can vary widely, long term effects remain largely unknown. But it is clear that there can be very serious long-term effects.
Now to questions. @KevinCTV is up first. Asking about the anti-mask protests, was it disappointing to see minimal enforcement?
Hinshaw says it's important to remember there is a right to peaceful protest. But they need to put that with a balance to protect public health.
Hinshaw says it's important to remember there is a right to peaceful protest. But they need to put that with a balance to protect public health.
Hinshaw says they considered this balance when drafting the rules.
.@CBCFletch is asking about racial or ethnic data on COVID-19 cases, mentions a tweet from a Kenney spokesperson who detailed cases in the South Asian community.
Hinshaw says they have been working to improve collection on this data since the spring, numbers are preliminary now.
Hinshaw says they have been working to improve collection on this data since the spring, numbers are preliminary now.
Hinshaw hopes they can present it more completely in the future, but they don't have that right now. She stresses this data *should not* be used to stigmatize certain racial groups. It should not be used to place blame.
Hinshaw adds that the high number of cases is hampering the work though, hopefully they can keep working on it and release it in a timely manner. No timeframe now though.
.@DavidStaplesYEG on this data as well, challenges in targeting messages towards people who may not understand the guidelines.
Hinshaw says they have information available in many different languages, working with health teams making connections with people in other communities.
Hinshaw says they have information available in many different languages, working with health teams making connections with people in other communities.
Hinshaw says they are not blaming any communities for spread, and they're just working to make sure everyone is aware of what is happening. Community leaders have been a very valuable bridge, she says.
.@JWeisnerGlobal on the oxygen supply memo we saw today, impact on health system.
Hinshaw says first off, this underscores the need to take this seriously and reduce strain on system. Hands it off to AHS rep who will speak more.
Hinshaw says first off, this underscores the need to take this seriously and reduce strain on system. Hands it off to AHS rep who will speak more.
He says they do have an adequate oxygen supply, and they have planned for a situation like this. This advice in the memo is evidence-based and responsible. Just making staff aware of the need for conservation, and this anticipates a further increase in cases.
.@CarrieTait asks about how the severity of outcomes changes as hospitals get backed up.
Hinshaw says they have seen the same age-specific hospitalization rate throughout the pandemic. The death rate might be getting better though, due to better treatments.
Hinshaw says they have seen the same age-specific hospitalization rate throughout the pandemic. The death rate might be getting better though, due to better treatments.
Hinshaw adds we do need to be sure that cases go down quickly enough so that hospitals do not get totally overloaded. Weighing the risks for everyone who gets the virus.
.@DeanBennettCP asks about Premier referencing new ICU numbers coming this week, and risk of widespread surgical cancellations.
Hinshaw says the rising numbers are a concern, and this is triple what we would normally see during flu season.
Hinshaw says the rising numbers are a concern, and this is triple what we would normally see during flu season.
AHS rep fills in some more info now. He says they do expect added demand in coming days and weeks, several strategies helping them manage the issue. Adding a couple dozen beds, and will have up to 425 ICU beds soon.
.@LiciaCorbella on the province shopping for freezers to store vaccines and if this is too late? Feelings on mandatory vaccines?
Hinshaw says freezer procurement has been in the works for some time, has just only been made public. She says Alberta is in a good position.
Hinshaw says freezer procurement has been in the works for some time, has just only been made public. She says Alberta is in a good position.
Hinshaw says yes there has been a provision that can mandate vaccines, and that will be removed. Her personal position is that the province's framework shows vaccines are safe and this will be left up to individuals to decide if they want it.
.@OmarMosleh on ICU beds, reports of double bunking and if there can be some more clarification on this and overall numbers.
AHS doc says they can go to unconventional spaces if beds are filling up, extreme measures would be putting people in operative rooms or other spaces.
AHS doc says they can go to unconventional spaces if beds are filling up, extreme measures would be putting people in operative rooms or other spaces.
They have planned for both equipment and staffing. Will need people familiar with ICU equipment, though. Can move other HCW around if they are familiar with the equipment. Obviously, they hope to avoid this.
On "double bunking", there are some rooms where this is a built in capacity. He feels they can manage people in unconventional rooms safely though.
Last question from @Jantafrench, how do we staff these extra ICU beds?
AHS doc says this does identify their main challenge. Can look at those who were previously in ICU, and have been giving training to people in similar specialties (operative staff, ER staff etc.)
AHS doc says this does identify their main challenge. Can look at those who were previously in ICU, and have been giving training to people in similar specialties (operative staff, ER staff etc.)
And that's all folks. Another update coming tomorrow.
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