Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update. Over the past 24hrs we’ve identified 1,155 new cases & completed 17K+ tests. Our positivity rate sits at about 6.5% & we have 10,655 active cases. There are 310 in hospital including 58 in ICU. (1/12)

I must report 11 new deaths over the past 24 hrs. 11 Albertans are gone & their friends & families are mourning. Severe outcomes are not limited to those at the end of their lives & it is a mistake to think so. This week, 2 indv in their 30s died as a result of COVID-19. (2/12)

The avg age of COVID-19 hospitalization is dropping. About 1/4 hospitalized & 1/6 in ICU have 0 pre-existing conditions. Having a chronic condition is common, incl high blood pressure & diabetes. Almost 1/4 of Albertans 20+ have a chronic condition, 10% have 2, 8% have 3+. (3/12)

Older adults are more likely to have medical conditions. For those 50+, 65% have 1+ chronic conditions. More than 1/2 of men 50+ & almost 70% of men 65+, have high blood pressure. That should not be a death sentence. Our actions protect these people as well as ourselves. (4/12)

As more COVID-19 patients require ICU, AHS is able to add additional capacity. AHS has readied additional beds in #YEG & spaces in #YYC will be ready if needed. But creating capacity means stopping or delaying other services & this is the impact we want to avoid. (5/12)

Recently, AHS has had desig. family/support people intentionally not disclose COVID-19 symptom status. This puts loved ones & teams caring for them at greater risk of illness. Pls be honest. If this continues, AHS will have to consider further limiting support & visitation.(6/12)

There are currently active alerts or outbreaks in 294 schools, about 12% of AB schools, incl 67 schools currently on the watch list. In-school transmission has likely occurred in 166 schools. Of these, about 87 had only one new case as a result. (7/12)

In the past week, we have more new cases than in any previous week to date. Contact tracers are working heroically to address the backlog, but w/the current volume, they are fighting an uphill battle. There are more people & cases out there that we don’t know about. (8/12)

We must all continue to do our part. If you test + follow the directions you’re given. Visit the AHS online portal & submit the info for known close contacts. I know many worry about being blamed or stigmatized & I want to stress this process is anonymous. (9/12)

If you receive a text indicating you’re a close contact, follow the instructions & respond. Stay home & isolate for 14 days. Monitor for symptoms & arrange for testing if needed. Otherwise, do not leave your property. If you’re an event organizer, notify attendees ASAP. (10/12)

Our actions, such as going out while symptomatic, have consequences to those around us. Every new case is a threat to our health, the health of others & our health care system. Every new case jeopardizes businesses & activities that could potentially face more measures. (11/12)

This weekend, I encourage everyone to abide by all public health measures. We must all do our part to bend the curve. Everyone is carrying heavy burdens right now. Please be compassionate with yourself & with others. We can only get through this by working together. (12/12)