Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Over the last 24hrs, we have identified 875 new cases & completed almost 16K tests. Our positivity rate is about 5.3%. There are 820 people in hospital, incl 137 in ICU. (1/8)

Sadly, 23 new deaths were reported last 24 hours. They ranged in age from 48 to 96 – men and women whose passing leaves a hole in the lives of those who cared for them. I extend my sympathy to each person who is walking through grief right now, no matter the cause. (2/8)

For months, I have been saying that we’re all in this together. I know for many this is wearing thin.
For many this is the most challenging moment of the pandemic. Few of us have lived through a time of adversity akin to what we are experiencing now. (3/8)

But this phrase is not a slogan. It is a biological fact of COVID-19 that we cannot escape or opt out of. All that matters to this virus is if an infectious person is close enough for long enough to spread it. (4/8)

When cases rise, it is because we are infecting each other – and when cases fall, it is because we are protecting each other. What we do with this reality is up to each of us. (5/8)

Businesses that reopen despite restrictions are increasing close contacts in their community & making it harder for others. Those who prepare for future re-opening, but follow restrictions, are helping their communities, protect our health system & helping re-open faster. (6/8)

Twice we’ve worked together to reduce rising spread. Until enough vaccine is available to protect a majority of our population, limiting in-person interactions is our best way to protect our health system & save lives. (7/8)

We are reducing the spread b/c of the choices that 4.4 mil. Albertans are making every day. It takes all of us. We are all impacted by the actions of those around us. Like it or not, we are all in this together. We rise or fall together. And none of us can do this alone. (8/8)