I know that many parents and Albertans have concerns about #COVID19AB variants. We are watching closely and taking this extremely seriously. It’s important to know the facts. (1/5)
As you know, the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is extremely low in minors and highest for those over 70 and with underlying conditions. It is not yet clear whether these new variants tend to cause more severe illness in people who get sick. (2/5)
Evidence is still emerging, but the main reason we are concerned is that these variants spread more easily from person to person. This could easily lead our cases to rise rapidly once again, which is why we must be cautious. (3/5)
We are working hard to actively detect variants, quarantine anyone who may have been exposed and break the chains of transmission before they spread widely in Alberta. This includes expanding our testing ability and moving fast when cases are identified. (4/5)
Though COVID-19 variants of concern are more contagious, they spread – and can be protected against – in the same ways as the usual virus.
It's critical that we all continue taking action to protect ourselves and others from all strains of COVID-19. (5/5)
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: We have administered 107K+ vaccine doses w/ 17K+ ABs fully immunized w/ 2 doses. Over the last 24hrs, we ID’d 268 new cases & completed about 7.9K tests. There are alerts/outbreaks in 305 schools w/ 726 cases total. (1/11)
There are 556 ppl in hospital, incl. 97 in ICU. Unfortunately, 13 new deaths were reported in the last 24hrs; People ages 27 to 93 whose loss leaves a hole in the lives of those who cared about them. (2/11)
We are actively monitoring for cases of the variants first identified in the UK & South Africa & other emerging strains. Variants are new - the public health response is not. We are being extra cautious to reduce the chance of infection spreading widely into the community. (3/11)
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: We have administered 106K doses of vaccine incl to 16.2K+ ABs who have now been fully immunized w/2 doses. Over the last 24 hrs, we ID’d 355 new cases & completed about 7.3K tests. Our positivity rate stands at about 4.9%. (1/6)
There are currently active alerts/outbreaks in 298, or about 12% of schools in the province w/ 701 total cases. In-school transmission has been detected in 66 schools and, of these, only 51 have seen one new case occur as a result. (2/6)
The avg new cases/day in school-age ABs continues to fall. Last week, avg new cases/day in this age group was 71 compared w/ 131 cases daily avg the week before school started in person. So far, returning to school in person has not caused more spread in this age group. (3/6)
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB numbers: Over the last 24 hours we have identified 461 new cases and completed 8,946 tests. Our positivity rate is 5.3%. (1/4)
There are 7,505 active cases in the province with 561 people in hospital, including 101 in ICU. Sadly, 8 new deaths were reported over the past 24hrs. My condolences go to the families, friends & anyone mourning the loss of a loved one today. (2/4)
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Over the last 24hrs, we ID’d 543 new cases & completed about 11.6K tests. Our positivity rate stands at about 4.5%. There are active alerts/outbreaks in 291 schools, or about 12 % of schools in AB w/607 total cases. (1/8)
There are 594 ppl in hospital incl 110 in ICU. Sadly, 14 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hrs. Every death is a tragedy to those who love them. My thoughts are with anyone mourning the loss of someone from COVID-19 or any other cause. (2/8)
We have ID’d 37 cases of variant COVID-19 to date: 31 cases of UK variants & 6 of the South Africa strain. All but 3 are travel-related. Those 3 are in same household. We are watching closely and working hard to prevent spread & ensure close contacts are isolated/tested. (3/8)
I’d like to explain why we have concerns about the proposal to amend the Pfizer vaccine label to indicate each vial contains 6 doses. We are committed to safely & effectively using all vaccines the way they are packaged for use. (1/4)
Whenever a 6th dose can be safely extracted, our teams are doing so & have since the start. AHS Public Health Immunizers are very good at what they do. We estimate they’ve been able to safely extract a 6th dose from approx 1/2 of the Pfizer vials.(2/4)
Even w/professionals, it’s not been possible to get 6 doses from every vial. This is due to many factors, incl the global shortage of 1cc syringes required to more consistently extract a 6th dose. Even then, we estimate the 6th dose is achieved about 75% of the time. (3/4)
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Over the last 24 hours, we have ID’d 461 new cases & completed 12.3K+ tests. Our positivity rate stands at about 3.9%. There are active alerts/outbreaks in 300 schools, or about 12 % of schools in AB w/ 593 cases total. (1/10)
There are 591 people in hospital, incl. 112 in ICU. Unfortunately, 7 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. My condolences go to the loved ones of these individuals, and to anyone mourning the loss of someone they cared about, from any cause. (2/10)
I want to speak about influenza & what our current season tells us about COVID-19. Last year, we had 8,470 lab-confirmed cases of influenza in AB w/1,605 hospitalizations, 161 ICU admissions & 41 deaths. This year, we have not had 1 confirmed case of seasonal influenza. (3/10)