Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: Over the last 24 hrs, we ID’d 364 new cases & completed about 6.6K tests. Our positivity rate is about 5.5%. There are alerts/outbreaks in 250 schools, or about 10% of schools in AB w/1,106 cases since Jan. 11. (1/12)

We ID’d 65 cases involving variants of concern. Over the last week, our R-value was 1.07. There are 255 people in hospital, incl. 42 in ICU. Sadly, 3 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hrs. My deepest sympathies go to their family, friends & colleagues. (2/12)

We have now admin. 368K+ doses of vaccine. Every dose is possible thanks to the hard work of hundreds of healthcare workers incl AHS, AB Health, frontline workers at immunization centres, community pharmacists & soon physicians, who are working very hard to protect ABs. (3/12)

Phase 2A started today. 8K+ have booked through AHS & thousands more through pharmacies. I know many people are eager for their turn, and we are asking everyone to please be patient. 437K+ people are eligible under Phase 2A. (4/12)

Tomorrow at 10am, AHS will open bookings for the next birth year. Pharmacies continue to book everyone in Phase 2A no matter what year you were born. More appts will be available in the coming days/weeks. Everyone in 2A will get their vaccine. No one will be left behind. (5/12)

Once we’ve completed 2A, we’ll move to Phase 2B, offering vaccine to ABs w/severe underlying conditions. We will be focusing on those most at risk of severe outcomes. We have posted a detailed list of health conditions that will be eligible at alberta.ca/vaccine. (6/12)

The list is based on recommendations of the AB Advisory Committee on Immunization, AB exp. & evidence from around the world. All are associated w/higher risk of death or hosp. even in younger groups when comparing their risks to those aged 50-64 w/no underlying conditions. (7/12)

I encourage ppl w/underlying conditions to check the website for eligibility. We will operate on the honour system, no doctor’s note required, the same approach being taken by other provs. Ppl w/1 of these conditions can consult w/their healthcare provider before booking. (8/12)

When Phase 2C begins, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, regulated healthcare prof & their office/support staff who are in direct contact w/patients will be eligible. For AHS, Covenant, APL & Dynalife, this incl working in patient care facilities & the community. (9/12)

FN healthcare workers on reserve & students undertaking practicums in clinical areas are included. Phase 2C also incl designated family support ppl for continuing care residents & caregivers of children who have high-risk conditions but cannot be immunized due to age. (10/12)

Residents & staff at correctional facilities, homeless shelters & group homes & other licensed supportive living, frontline police & transport/court sheriffs who work closely w/eligible congregate pops. & ppl working in meat packing plants will also be eligible in 2C. (11/12)

We hope to begin 2B & 2C in Apr. It will take some time, 1M+ are eligible in 2B & 2C. Vaccines save lives & the benefits far outweigh the risks. Please book an appointment to be immunized when it is your turn. Until then we can & must continue protecting each other. (12/12)