Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: We have now administered 397K+ doses of vaccine in AB. Over the last 24 hours, we ID’d 479 new cases & completed about 10.8K tests. Our positivity rate is about 4.7%. (1/10)

We have ID’d 50 new cases of the variant of concern, which make up about 11% of our active COVID-19 cases. Looking to schools, there are active alerts or outbreaks in 283 schools, about 12% of schools in AB w/ 1,199 cases since Jan. 11. (2/10)

There are 262 ppl in hospital incl 44 in ICU. Sadly, 4 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. My condolences go to the friends, family & neighbours mourning the loss of these individuals. (3/10)

Tomorrow at 8 a.m., AHS will open Phase 2A vaccine bookings online/811 for ABs born 1954 or earlier & FNMI ppl born in 1969 or earlier. Pharmacies are booking appts for ppl born 1956 or earlier. I want to thank Albertans for their patience as we book appointments. (4/10)

St. Patrick’s Day, for many, is typically spent w/friends & strangers at pubs & parties. Instead of crowding into a bar or house w/friends or co-workers today, please respect & follow the restrictions & celebrate in a safe, distanced way to help prevent spread of COVID. (5/10)

Indoor gatherings are currently not permitted w/anyone outside your household, or 2 designated contacts for ppl living alone. Whether on St. Patrick’s Day, a birthday, or catching up w/ friends, we can gather w/up to 10 ppl outdoors, following all public health measures. (6/10)

We have seen cases where variant COVID-19 is transmitted outdoors when ppl are not distancing/masking. If you go to a restaurant or pub, incl patios, please only go w/members of your household & <6 at a table. If you live alone, only go w/your 2 designated close contacts. (7/10)

This is not the year to gather in restaurants & indoors w/friends on St. Patrick’s Day. In fact, it’s against the rules. Pls remember that staff didn’t make the rules & are enforcing them to keep all patrons & workers safe. They deserve to be treated w/kindness & respect. (8/10)

A recent e.g. of variant spread: Person A is unknowingly infected w/a variant while visiting family indoors & later is indoors w/ Persons B, C, D & E. No masking/distancing. All 4 get infected & pass to others. 1 case quickly became 14 before any knew they were infected. (9/10)

This is not to shame or blame, but shows how quickly cases can spread & importance of following the detail & spirit of the measures in place for a bit longer. The risk of gathering w/ loved ones will drop dramatically by fall w/widespread immunization expected. (10/10)