Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: As of last night, 394 healthcare workers had received their 1st dose of vaccine. We are starting w/critical healthcare & long-term care workers & those living in continuing care to save lives & protect our healthcare system. (1/12)

We are moving quickly to make the doses we receive available to those who are eligible, and will continue to do that going forward. There are about 4.4 million Albertans. Please be patient & supportive of those in the initial groups to be immunized. (2/12)

Over the last 24 hrs, we ID’d 1,571 new cases & completed about 19.8K tests. Our positivity rate stands at about 7.9%. There are 763 ppl in hospital incl 138 in ICU. There are active alerts/outbreaks in 450 schools, or about 19% of schools in the prov w/126 on watch. (3/12)

Sadly, I must announce 30 deaths were reported in the last 24hrs. This is a heartbreaking figure. While these deaths did not all occur yesterday, this is the highest figure I have reported. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to everyone mourning a loss today. (4/12)

If anyone still needs reminding of the seriousness of this virus, the importance of the current restrictions & of doing everything possible to limit interactions & break the chains of transmission, this is it. 790 Albertans have now died as a result of COVID-19. (5/12)

This year, we can and must celebrate the holidays differently. Holiday gatherings w/ ppl outside your household are not only against restrictions, but are the wrong thing to do. Celebrate virtually, w/your household, or your designated 2 close contacts if you live alone. (6/12)

It may not seem like a big deal to get together with your extended family or group of friends. If you all feel fine, you may think that there is no risk of catching COVID-19, or passing it on to others. But that is simply wrong. (7/12)

We have seen many ex. of someone attending a gathering w/ mild symptoms, incl headaches/stuffed nose that they didn’t connect with COVID-19, or in the day or 2 before symptoms started when they were infectious but didn’t know it. That is how cases rise & outbreaks start. (8/12)

These orders are not recommendations, they are legal restrictions, and for them to be effective, we need everyone to do their part. (9/12)

This is a challenging time for those living & working in continuing care. To help lift their spirits & show how much they matter to us all, I encourage ABs to send holiday cards, letters, art or other show of support to continuing care residents & staff in your community. (10/12)

We have posted an article at alberta.ca/covidholidayin… which includes a link to search for a facility near you. If thinking about large items or perishables, pls check ahead w/ operators about their gift policies. (11/12)

This small act of giving can go a long way. It will help spread joy and encouragement during the holiday season and remind our most vulnerable that they are not alone, that Albertans care and are thinking of them, and that we are all in this together. (12/12)