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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More from @CMOH_Alberta

13 Feb
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB numbers: Over the last 24 hrs we have identified 305 new cases and completed 8,070 tests. Our positivity rate is 3.8%. (1/4)
There are 5,271 active cases in the province with 359 people in hospital, including 64 in ICU. Sadly, 15 new deaths were reported over the past 24 hrs. My condolences go to the families, friends & anyone mourning the loss of a loved one today. (2/4)
For a breakdown of case numbers across the province, visit alberta.ca/covid-19-alber…. (3/4)
Read 4 tweets
12 Feb
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB numbers: Over the last 24 hours we have identified 314 new cases & completed about 8.4K tests. Our positivity rate is about 3.8%. (1/4)
There are 371 people in hospital, including 66 in ICU. Sadly, 16 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)
This long weekend, please be safe. This is not the time for the large get-togethers of past years. By not gathering w/ ppl outside our household, we’re not giving COVID-19 the chance to spread. Meet virtually or get together outdoors w/ no more than 10 ppl & stay 2m apart. (3/4)
Read 4 tweets
12 Feb
I know there have been questions about #COVID19AB rapid testing, so let me explain Alberta’s approach so far.

After receiving tests in the fall, @AHS_media tested them and started deploying them to outbreaks, shelters, hospitals & other places to test people w/ symptoms. (1/7)
Rapid testing was deployed across the province. @GovCanHealth has licensed the tests only for use in symptomatic people. The tests are not licensed as a screening tool, so we used them accordingly. (2/7)
It is important that we work in collaboration and alignment with the national reg. bodies on all health technologies and all jurisdictions were initially cautious to use these tests ‘off-label.’ (3/7)
Read 7 tweets
11 Feb
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID-19AB update: We have administered 135+ vaccine doses & fully immunized 42K+ ABs. Over the last 24 hrs, we ID’d 351 new cases & completed about 10K tests. Our positivity rate is about 3.5%. (1/8)
There are currently active alerts or outbreaks in 311 schools, about 13% of schools in the province. These schools have had a combined total of 897 cases since early January. Of these 155 are believed to be in-school transmission. (2/8)
397 are in hospital, incl 71 in ICU. Our #s continue to decline but there are still as many in hosp today as Nov. 23. 16 deaths were reported to us in the last 24 hrs. My thoughts are with anyone mourning the passing of a family member, friend or neighbour, from any cause. (3/8)
Read 8 tweets
11 Feb
I know that some people have concerns after the 1st case of variant transmission in schools was identified yesterday. This is understandable. We are being extremely cautious to limit any future transmission. (1/6)
Schools continue to be safe places. We continue to see the number of new #COVID19 cases in school-aged Albertans declining after 1 month of in-person classes - and we’re working hard to keep it that way. (2/6)
The school measures in place reduce the risk of transmission, but we all must help limit spread. Just as our currently dominant strain of COVID-19 occasionally spreads in schools, so too can the variant. That’s why we’re acting quickly. (3/6)
Read 6 tweets
10 Feb
Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: We have now administered almost 130K doses of vaccine & fully immunized 37K Albertans incl 71% of residents of long-term care & designated supportive living who are most at risk of severe outcomes. (1/11)
Over the last 24 hours, we have ID’d 339 new cases & completed 10.8K+ tests. Our positivity rate is around 3.2%. Stay home & get tested even w/ minor symptoms or if you are a close contact of someone w/ COVID-19. Testing helps us understand how the virus is spreading. (2/11)
There are currently active alerts/outbreaks in 303 schools, w/ 867 cases total. There are 421 people in hospital, incl 77 in ICU. This is far below our peak in Dec., but still 5-7x higher than last spring/summer. We will watch these & other #s over the next few weeks. (3/11)
Read 11 tweets

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