Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update. Over the last 24 hours, we identified 887 new cases. Another 432 variants were confirmed, meaning 39% of active cases are now variants. (1/10)

More than 9,102 tests were completed yesterday & the positivity rate was 9.9%. 312 people are in hospital and, sadly, we have learned of 4 deaths since April 1. My heartfelt condolences to everyone mourning a loved one today. (2/10)

We have posted the usual detailed provincial data at alberta.ca/COVID19. This includes confirmed case counts, tests and other information from the long weekend, broken down by calendar day. (3/10)

I also want to update Albertans on the #COVID19AB outbreak involving P.1 variants of concern. At this time, the outbreak appears linked to a large employer with multiple sites across Western Canada. (4/10)

The outbreak started with a traveller returning to Alberta from out of province. To date, the spread has been confined to 3 work sites in Central and North Zone, where employees travelled between sites. (5/10)

We have now identified 26 COVID-19 cases linked to employees at these three sites, and their household contacts. So far, only 3 are confirmed P1 cases, but this will likely increase as more results come in. (6/10)

AHS has been working with the operator and cases to ensure anyone at risk of exposure is offered testing and quarantines to limit the spread. This includes employees at other sites who may have been exposed.

Anyone at risk is being directly contacted and supported. (7/10)

A separate, unrelated P1 outbreak has been reported at a workplace in Calgary Zone. There are currently 5 cases linked to this outbreak, including 1 confirmed case of the P1 variant. Health officials are also working with the employer and supporting anyone at risk. (8/10)

Thanks for your patience. These investigations are complex & it's important that we ensure information is accurate & that anyone at risk is directly contacted before sharing details. We also must balance the public desire for info with protecting patient confidentiality. (9/10)

I am concerned about the rising cases, including variants, in our province. Please keep making safe choices and limit in-person interactions whenever possible to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 provincewide. (10/10)