Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Holiday COVID-19 reporting will be modified. Next live avail is Dec. 28 w/ web data posted as usual. Web only Dec 29, 30 & Jan 4. We’ll Tweet limited updates by 11am Dec 24, 26, 27, 31, Jan 1, 2, 3. Reg updates resume Jan. 5. (1/12)

Our health care teams including those working in the lab, those who do contact tracing, those who manage outbreaks & those who care for patients who are ill will continue working every day to support Albertans. (2/12)

Over the last 24 hrs, we ID’d 1,301 new cases & completed about 19K tests. Our positivity rate stands at about 6.8% w/ 821 ppl in hospital, including 146 in ICU. 19 new deaths were reported. My deepest sympathies go to their loved & anyone grieving a loss. (3/12)

I want to stress how important it is that we limit in-person interactions. We cannot afford for a spike to happen now, when our baseline of new daily cases is 4 to 5 times higher than earlier in the fall. (4/12)

An eg. of impact social interactions is seen w/ school-aged case numbers w/ #s nearly 3x through Nov until new health measures were implemented incl a pause on team sports, group performance & limits on social gatherings. Then, #s plateaued & fell significantly in Dec. (5/12)

This suggests school measures are effective at limiting transmission. It is mainly other in-person activities that are exposing kids to the virus & spread COVID-19. This tells us that reducing social interactions is critical to protecting each other & bending the curve. (6/12)

Limit social gatherings whenever possible & stick to your household. While we provided an exemption to allow those who live alone to attend 1 gathering during the next few days, pls only do this if absolutely necessary. Do not go if you are feeling even slightly ill. (7/12)

COVID-19 spread is declining. However, cases are still extremely high & hospitalizations continue to rise, impacting our ability to care for all ABs. Our choices during the holidays can help build on our downward momentum, or they can send case numbers rising once again. (8/12)

This year, I wish that all Albertans embrace the restrictions in place and make the safe choice over the next few days. This is hard, I know, but these sacrifices help protect all of us. Following the rules is an act of generosity to our community and to our province. (9/12)

I also wish that, despite the restrictions in place, every Albertan still finds ways to connect safely with those who mean the most to them. And I wish that every health care worker understands how deeply we appreciate their sacrifice and determination. (10/12)

I wish everyone impacted by the health measures– biz operators, restaurant owners/staff & many others – is applauded for their resiliency & determination. I wish for all strength, patience & determination, to remain vigilant against COVID & to look out for one another. (11/12)

It’s up to each of us to do our part. The holidays will be tough for many. Let’s all treat each other with extra understanding and compassion. If we support each other, and continue doing what needs to be done, we will get through this together. (12/12)