Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update. 62 people are in hospital in AB, including 14 in intensive care. This recent increase continues to be primarily driven by the outbreak at the Foothills Medical Centre. We continue to closely monitor these numbers. (1/11)

On Friday, 97 new cases of COVID-19 were ID’d, while our lab conducted more than 12,600 tests. On Saturday, the lab completed more than 17,500 tests and we ID’d 263 more cases. And yesterday, there were 218 new cases, & nearly 16,000 tests conducted. (2/11)

The # of cases over the weekend is concerning. This is particularly concerning in YEG, where cases have escalated, the reproductive number has increased to 1.3 last week & active cases have risen to 894. (3/11)

We are looking closely at what is driving the increase in cases. We are speaking with local public health and the city to determine if additional measures should be recommended in YEG to bring transmission down. (4/11)

Our review of active cases shows that many people are going to work or social gatherings when symptomatic & awaiting results. This is a significant risk & causing case #s to rise. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to social gatherings, including this Thanksgiving. (5/11)

We can’t prevent a 2nd wave or limit the spread if Albertans don’t take these key steps. I ask employers to do what they can to support staff to stay home while sick. If together we can’t control the spread, we’ll have to consider additional, more restrictive measures. (6/11)

As of today, AHS has confirmed that 43 schools that previously had alerts have had no transmission & students and staff are back in class. There are active alerts or outbreaks in 149 schools, which is about 6% of all schools in AB. (7/11)

These schools have 319 active cases. This includes 65 schools on outbreaks, incl. 10 on the watch list. An outbreak is 2 confirmed cases in a school. It doesn’t mean that school is unsafe. In-school transmission has likely contributed to 1 or more cases in only 18 schools. (8/11)

There have been 8 more deaths from COVID since Friday. That’s a difficult update to give. Grieving during a pandemic is difficult for everyone who has experienced loss of any kind. My sympathies go out to all who are grieving today. (9/11)

I reiterate my strong recommendation for safe Thanksgiving events this weekend. Many are planning gatherings. Please limit gatherings to your household and cohort members. Eat outdoors if possible & don’t share utensils. (10/11)

We are all in this together. Don’t let Thanksgiving become an oppty for COVID to spread to loved ones, potentially with severe consequences. Let’s celebrate all we’re thankful for by protecting each other & not taking chances. (11/11)