Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Over the last 24hrs, we identified 1,828 new cases & completed about 17,200 new tests. Our prov positivity rate has risen to 10.5% & we have 18,243 active cases. This is a grim milestone that should concern us all. (1/10)

There are 533 people in hospital, incl 99 in ICU. 15 deaths were reported to us in the past 24 hrs. I want to share my deepest condolences. Grieving the loss of a loved one is never easy & I know the challenges & restrictions of this virus make it even more difficult. (2/10)

In schools, there are currently active alerts/outbreaks in 415 schools, about 18% of schools in AB with a combined total of 1,581 active cases. There are 221 schools with outbreaks, incl 99 on the watch list. (3/10)

I know this last month may be the toughest for many. This virus can spread quickly, from one to many. I want to stress the seriousness of the rising case numbers that we are seeing, and how crucial it is that we reduce the spread and bend the curve back down. (4/10)

Millions of ABs have risen to challenge & are working hard to limit the spread. Thank you to everyone who is following the health measures, and going above and beyond. You are the majority in our province. This weekend, we need you to keep doing what you’re doing. (5/10)

If you have not been following the rules/if you know your behaviour could be little safer, this is the weekend to change it. This is the time for staying home & safe. If you do meet ppl, meet outdoors if you can, & maintain physical distance. Avoid anywhere w/ crowds. (6/10)

I want to issue a challenge to all ABs this weekend to fully embrace not just the specifics of the measures but also the spirit of them – which is to reduce as many in-person interactions w/ people outside your household as possible. Go above and beyond, whenever you can. (7/10)

By resisting the urge to socialize & limiting close contact you’re helping break chains of transmission – which can save lives. By getting outdoors & enjoying the mild weather, you are supporting dedicated healthcare workers working around the clock to care for ABs. (8/10)

Connecting w/ family & friends virtually, you help prevent spread & protect our health system. By staying home & bending the curve – not the rules – you spare someone watching a loved one battle COVID or losing someone to this virus. Each of us hold this power. (9/10)

By all going above & beyond, by reducing as many in-person interactions w/ ppl outside our households as possible, we can harness it. We are all in this together, and the majority of Albertans working together is powerful. (10/10)