Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: In the last 24hrs, we ID’d 663 new cases & completed about 8K tests. Our + rate is about 8.8%. This is good news, but we must continue to watch closely as a single day’s numbers is less important than overall trends. (1/11) 
Currently, 1,094 ppl are being treated for COVID-19 in hospital, incl 252 in ICU. Sadly, 26 more deaths were also reported. My condolences go to their loved ones, and to all who have lost a family member or friend during this difficult time. (2/11)
Cases have been rising for the past several wks. While this has impacted all ages, we have seen the highest rates recently in school-aged ABs. Those between 5 - 19 yrs. old currently make up about a 1/4 of active cases. (3/11)
I want to reassure parents that there is a very low likelihood of children becoming severely ill. As of Oct. 3, only about 1% of COVID patients in hosp are under 18. However, children can spread COVID to others & the current high rate of cases requires special measures. (4/11)
We are focusing on schools due to sharp rise in school-aged cases. Child care & day care have not seen the same level of spread at present & have always had outbreak notifications to help operators & parents protect smaller groups of children. (5/11)
Contact notification & public reporting in schools, in combination with measures already in place, will add new layers of protection. Any school with 2+ COVID-19 cases who were infectious while in school will be listed online & parents will be informed directly. (6/11)
Any school with 10+ COVID cases who were infectious while at school in a 2-week period will be declared an outbreak. These schools will be on alberta.ca starting tomorrow. The map we provided last year will be ready in a few weeks. (7/11)
The best way we can ensure children are protected is through vaccines. Only about 65% of youth 12-19 are fully vaccinated. I encourage every parent or guardian to arrange to have their child fully vaccinated ASAP. This helps grow community immunity & protect kids under 11. (8/11)
The restriction on outdoor gatherings has dropped to 20 ppl & indoor gatherings are still not permitted for those who are not vaccinated. Even if everyone has both doses, indoor gatherings must be limited to no more than 10 people – but the fewer the better. (9/11)
I know asking ABs to not gather in big groups at Thanksgiving is disappointing. But following the rules matters. Your actions could potentially lead to transmission or severe outcomes in someone you may not know, or they can save lives & protect the health care system. (10/11)
This weekend, show you care by having a small gathering outside, even if you are all fully vaccinated, just to be extra cautious. Do it for your family & the healthcare workers caring for ppl in critical condition & struggling to keep our health system going. (11/11)
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