Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: We have admin 487K+ vaccine doses. Over the last 24hrs, we ID’d 456 new cases & completed abt 7.5K tests. Our + rate is 6.1%. There are active alerts/outbreaks in 339 schools, or abt 14% of schools w/1,474 cases since Jan. 11. (1/8)

We ID’d 110 new cases of the variants of concern, about 16% of our active cases. There are 280 people in hospital for COVID-19, incl 48 in ICU. Sadly, 5 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hrs. My thoughts are w/ anyone mourning the loss of someone they loved. (2/8)

It is important that every one of us understands the power that our actions have & how crucial it is that we all make choices that protect our communities. Cases, variants, & hospitalizations continue to rise & we cannot take the risk of easing any measures at this point. (3/8)

Now is not the time to abandon the practices that have protected our communities & health care system over the past year. Once we hit a growth phase of this virus, our #s will not stand still. We all need to continue to follow public health orders in actions & spirit. (4/8)

While immunization will protect the most vulnerable, 88% of ppl now in ICU from COVID-19 are under 65. Our vaccine program has not yet moved to ppl under 65 w/ high risk conditions. Even after receiving vaccine, it takes about 2 weeks for the shot to provide protection. (5/8)

We are in a challenging but hopeful time. The warmer weather opens up opportunities to get out, be active & safely gather w/ friends/family. In a few months, w/ widespread immunization, we will be able to enjoy many of the elements of our lives that COVID-19 has limited. (6/8)

The rules in place are only as good as the steps we take each day to follow them. Bending those rules jeopardizes our progress. Minimizing contacts, physical distancing, wearing a mask & staying home & getting tested if feeling unwell are crucial to stopping the spread. (7/8)

Our choices have immense power & each of us has a say in whether cases rise or fall in the weeks ahead. I urge all Albertans to make the best possible choices they can to prevent cases from rising & to keep each other safe from this virus. (8/8)