Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: We have seen a sharp decline in school-aged cases in recent weeks from about 60 new cases/day/100K children on May 2 to about 34 today. Our data shows cases rise & fall in children/youth in line with community transmission. (1/9)

When in-person learning resumed in Jan, there were 2K+ active cases in ABs 5-19, 6 weeks later, about 700. Active cases were falling across our communities as well. Schools depend upon the choices we all make incl getting vaccinated & following public health orders. (2/9)

As a part of continuing to reduce spread, extra-curricular sports, recreational and performance activities for children and youth will remain closed in high-transmission areas of the province for the next several weeks. (3/9)

We have admin 2.27M+ doses of vaccine. 50.5%+ ABs 12+ have been vaccinated. Over the last 24hrs, we ID’d 908 new cases & completed nearly 10.4K tests. Our positivity rate is 9.1%. There are 685 people in hospital being treated for COVID-19 incl 185 in ICU. (4/9)

Sadly, 6 new deaths were reported in the last 24hrs. My condolences go to the family & friends of those who have passed away. Each death reminds that we are not yet through this pandemic & we all need to continue to follow the restrictions in place to bring down our cases. (5/9)

With vaccination numbers rising, we are making a change to continuing care facilities to increase the quality of life, health & wellbeing of residents. As of May 31, residents will not have to quarantine upon admission/return from outings, but undergo a health screening. (6/9)

Residents will still need to quarantine if they do not pass health screening, return from intl travel, are a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case or are symptomatic. Quarantine is also required if a resident returns from a healthcare facility unit on outbreak. (7/9)

Safety precautions continue to be in place to ensure residents are protected. If you live or have a loved one in continuing care & have questions, contact the facility operator. Pls be patient as each facility works w/families & residents to implement this change by May 31. (8/9)

This is a small step forward, but a reminder that we are making progress and that, if we continue on this course, we will be able to safely getting back to normal. So please be wise, stay safe and get vaccinated as soon as possible. (9/9)