Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Over the last 24 hrs, we identified 456 new cases & completed about 8.2K tests. The positivity rate was about 5.6%. There are active alerts in 147 schools and outbreaks in 2 schools, about 6% of schools w/212 cases. (1/5)
Our positivity rate is still far above the 1-3% from summer & fall. While having fewer ppl showing symptoms & needing testing is good, I want to remind anyone w/ symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home & book testing immediately. (2/5)
There are 740 ppl in hospital, incl. 119 in ICU. Sadly, 17 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hrs. My sympathies are w/ their family & friends. These were parents, grandparents, siblings, co-workers, neighbours and friends to many & their loss is felt across Alberta. (3/5)
Eligible staff & residents in all LTC & DSL facilities have received a 1st dose of vaccine. For those in other facilities, we will administer vaccine to all other settings where ABs age 75+ live as part of our next phase. This will happen asap once more vaccines arrive. (4/5)
Our health system is still under severe strain, impacting our ability to deliver care for all health needs. We must continue doing all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The more successful we are, the sooner we can consider relaxing other measures in the days ahead. (5/5)
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Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Over the last 24 hrs, we ID’d 678 new cases & completed about 14K tests. The positivity rate was about 4.8%. (1/10)
There are alerts in 178 schools & outbreaks in 4, w/ 282 cases total. In-school transmission has occurred in 23 schools, w/ 20 of these having only 1 case occur as a result. We are now averaging 80 new cases/day in school-ages. The average was 140 before school started. (2/10)
Hospitalizations remain high, w/ 726 people in hosp, incl. 119 in ICU. 16 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hrs. Every death leaves a hole in the lives of their loved ones. I encourage all to reach out to ppl who are grieving & let them know they are not alone. (3/10)
I have heard some questions from parents, teachers and others around safety in schools. These are challenging times and I know that parents, students, staff and families are working incredibly hard. (1/5)
There are no risk-free options w/ COVID, but our data indicates the current school model is largely effective at limiting in-school transmission. As of yesterday, 167 schools were on alert & 2 outbreaks declared w/ 252 total cases. Only 18 schools have had in-school trans. (2/5)
Supporting students to be in school benefits our society & children + underscores the need to continue reducing community transmission to protect our schools. This is why we prioritized in-class school return while keeping other restrictions in place. (3/5)
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Canada’s review process is among the best in the world. Both vaccines we are using went through a rigorous testing & Health Canada approval process. Vaccine safety monitoring is of the utmost importance. (1/11)
We have administered 95K+ doses of Pfizer & Moderna vaccines, 18 adverse events were reported w/an overall rate lower than this year’s pneumococcal vaccine program. 6 were allergic reactions, others incl diarrhea, vomiting or rash. We will continue to monitor every dose. (2/11)
I want ABs to understand that we are watching closely, and that the benefits of these vaccines far outweigh the risks. I hope this info helps Albertans make an informed choice to get immunized when it’s their turn. That choice will save lives. (3/11)
With the easing of 3 restrictions this week, pls continue to make good choices. If you gather outside w/family or friends, choose to do so safely w/ no more than 10 ppl & at a safe distance from each other. Indoor gatherings are still prohibited. Don’t share food/drinks. (1/4)
If you go for a haircut, pedicure or other service opening this week, wear a mask & follow the business’s health/safety protocols. These services need to be appointment-based, no walk-ins are permitted. There must be 2m between clients at all locations within the business. (2/4)
Cancel your apt if you feel unwell. Do not endanger your service provider or other patrons. If going to a mall, grocery store or other retail, go alone or only w/ household members. Wear a mask over your mouth & nose, keep 2m from others & frequently sanitize your hands. (3/4)
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Over the last 24 hrs we’ve ID’d 474 new cases & completed about 8.5K tests. There are 739 ppl in hosp. incl 120 in ICU. 11 deaths were reported, a reminder of the seriousness of COVID-19 & the need to protect all ABs from it. (1/6)
Residents & staff at all 357 long-term care & designated supported living facilities have received vaccinations. We started w/ those ppl as they are most vulnerable to severe outcomes. To date, 66% of all COVID-19 deaths in AB have been in these facilities. (2/6)
Once supply increases, we will be able to start offering the vaccine to seniors 75+ & First Nations, Métis & persons 65+ living in a First Nations community or Metis Settlement. While we cannot control the amount of vaccine avail., we’re working hard to immunize Albertans. (3/6)
I’ve recently heard lots of questions about why we’re not holding back all second doses of the COVID19 vaccine. This is important, so let me explain. 1/6
We are trying to protect as many Albertans as possible, while still accounting for second doses as deliveries arrive. This allows us to use our limited supply to reach more people sooner with early protection, while still making sure that everyone gets a second dose. 2/6
Studies on the vaccine show that 14 days after the first dose, on average, 92% of people are protected from getting sick with COVID-19 for the next several weeks.
The second dose is still necessary & everyone will be offered one. (3/6)