Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update. Over the past 24hrs we have identified 158 new cases out of more than 12,700 tests. This is a provincial positivity rate of 1.02%. Alberta has 1,462 active cases. (1/9)

The opioid report released yesterday was staggering. It showed the challenge many Albertans who use opioids & other substances have faced & the dire impact this pandemic has had. I will continue to work to minimize the impact of COVID-19 measures on access to services. (2/9)

If you use drugs, please don’t use alone. If you want help but don’t know where to turn, you’re not alone. There is a 24hr phone number, 1-866-332-2322 or AHS website “Help in Tough Times”. I urge all of us to check up on our friends & family. We must support each other. (3/9)

There are alerts or outbreaks in 97 schools w/163 cases total. There are 32 school outbreaks, 7 of which have had likely transmission within the school in at least 1 case & 4 have 5+ cases. 2 confirmed cases may qualify as an outbreak, it is not a sign the school is unsafe. (4/9)

There are 58 Albertans in hospital w/14 in ICU. I must report 1 death - a patient at Foothills Medical Centre, reported yesterday by AHS. My condolences go out to their family & friends. There are now 29 cases linked to this outbreak, including 17 patients. (5/9)

AHS continues testing & isolating of anyone who has been exposed & has significant precautions in place to prevent further spread. AHS has strong processes in place to protect those at hospitals & other care facilities. (6/9)

Staying home while sick or experiencing mild symptoms is important. I continue to advocate that employers support their employees whenever possible to help them stay home. I want to express my gratitude to those who have been doing so, as I know this is a difficult time. (7/9)

In a couple of weeks, many families & communities will celebrate Thanksgiving. It is best to keep gatherings within cohorts of up to 15 family & friends. Smaller is safer. This is not the time for large gatherings. New guidance has been posted at https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-relaunch-guidance-safe-holiday-entertaining.pdf (8/9)

Guidance includes maintaining distance when shopping, having 1 person plate everyone’s meals, having pre-portioned food, ordering take-out or having guests bring their own food. If visiting loved ones in care, follow all facility protocols. We are all protecting each other. (9/9)