Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update. Twice before in this past year, we have faced a new variant, so we have seen what can happen with a new and more infectious version of the virus. Each time this meant we needed to change our assumptions & approach. (1/12)
Currently, we know Omicron is more transmissible & causes more breakthrough infections in those who have previously been infected & those who have 2 doses of vaccine. (2/12)
There is a question about whether it is milder than previous infections, but the early indications from South Africa are that w/a larger number of people being infected more quickly, the overall impact on ICUs is rising. (3/12)
No one wants to maintain restrictions for longer than necessary, but no one wants to see our health care system under the strain it experienced just a few months ago, or worse. (4/12)
As we plan for the holidays, please think of our communities & health system. Make gatherings as safe as possible by limiting the total number of gatherings we attend, keep them small, gather outside & encourage people to receive all doses of vaccine they are eligible for. (5/12)
When gathering indoors consider: arranging seating so there is distance between households, increasing indoor air ventilation by opening a window and plating individual servings rather than using communal dishes and serving utensils that everyone shares from. (6/12)
If you are having guests over that are more susceptible to COVID-19 incl 65+ or immunocompromised, consider wearing a medical face mask while at the indoor gathering. If anyone is feeling even mildly unwell it is critical they do not attend or host a gathering. (7/12)
Expanding 3rd doses to about 550K 50+ & 150K health-care workers is an important step, not only to boost protection against Delta variant, which is the dominant strain in AB, but early evidence also shows a 3rd dose increases protection against the Omicron variant. (8/12)
About 2 million ABs have already received or can now book boosters. As soon as you are eligible for a 3rd dose, please get it. Both mRNA vaccines offer a high level of protection. In fact, Moderna shows a slightly higher level of effectiveness compared to Pfizer. (9/12)
While there is a small increased risk of Myocarditis in younger Albertans, especially in younger males, from Moderna, this does not change the fact that individuals are much more likely to experience Myocarditis from COVID-19 than the vaccine itself. (10/12)
For older individuals, Moderna is an excellent choice, and I want to assure Albertans who are eligible for a booster that it is safe and will give you the same, if not slightly increased, protection. (11/12)
COVID-19 doesn’t play by the rules we would like it to, and we can’t change how it behaves. What we can change is how we respond to the new information we are receiving, and to do everything we can to stop COVID from doing the worst of what it can do. (12/12)
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