Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

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)

Over the last 24 hrs we ID’d 669 new cases & completed about 14.9K tests. Our positivity rate is about 4.5%. 167 schools are on alert & 2 outbreaks declared. These schools have a total of 252 cases, with only 18 arising from in-school transmission. (4/11)

There are 744 ppl in hosp. incl 124 in ICU. For context, influenza 10-year avg is about 1.5K hosp admissions annually. To date, there have been 5K+ due to COVID. Sadly, 21 new deaths were reported in the past 24hrs, I extend my sympathies to anyone grieving a loss. (5/11)

We’re aware some employers are asking employees, identified as close contacts of confirmed cases, to come back to work as soon as they receive a negative test result – before the legally-required 14 day quarantine period. Not only is this wrong, it is illegal. (6/11)

Someone exposed to the virus can become sick up to 14 days after exposure, so they can test negative on day 3, and then test positive on day 7. (7/11)

It is critical that the mandated quarantine & isolation protocols are followed & respected. I would ask employers to respect the need for staff to isolate & support them wherever possible. (8/11)

Changes to outdoor social gatherings impacts how you can gather at continuing care facilities. Facilities can use on-site outdoor spaces for visits of max. 5 ppl, incl. the resident. If off-site, residents can participate in an outdoor social gathering w/up to 9 others. (9/11)

Physical distancing must be followed & precautions such as wearing a mask to protect the resident are recommended. Added safety precautions may be required upon return. Visits must be pre-arranged, so pls contact facility staff to discuss the best option to safely visit. (10/11)

While this pandemic is now 10+ months old, it remains essential that we all stay home if there are any symptoms & book testing as soon as possible. This is still one of the key ways that we help protect not only our own health, but the health of our friends & neighbours. (11/11)