I have heard questions about whether the rate of growth for cases of the variant is doubling in Alberta every seven days. This is not accurate and would be based on looking at cases from the date they were publicly reported, not when the cases occurred. (1/6)
Alberta has the most complete screening approach in the country. We are screening both current and historical cases, which are all included in the numbers publicly reported. (2/6)
This means that over 300 cases are screened every day. It also includes having retrospectively tested all returning travellers who’ve tested positive since the fall. We've cast a wide net to help identify any cases. (3/6)
B/c the volumes of variant tests increased substantially in the last two weeks, more cases have been diagnosed. It is important to remember that we do not have similar results for Jan. positive samples, so cannot yet accurately determine the rate of growth. (4/6)
What we do know is that since Feb. 1, variant cases have accounted for about 3% of all positive cases. Variants are a serious concern, but inaccurate interpretations of data do not help us understand our true current situation. (5/6)
We will be looking at ways to keep expanding public reporting in the future to help everyone informed. Variants are a serious concern, and we must all keep limiting spread in the province. (6/6)
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