Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB update. 8,363 Albertans have now recovered. 93 people are hospitalized with 16 in ICUs. There are 141 new cases out of 7,813 new tests. Two more Albertans have died, bringing our death toll to 172. I extend my condolences. (1/9)

I am concerned by the continued rise in active cases. If you have a parent, grandparent or relative who is older or has a chronic medical condition, we need your help. To protect those at risk of severe outcomes & slow the recent rise in cases, we all need to do our part. (2/9)

We heard from Albertans that they didn’t need formal restrictions to protect each other. Now is the time to show that is correct. Now is the time to recognize that COVID-19 cases & hospitalizations can rise quickly unless we all take action every day to stop the spread. (3/9)

The best way to have safe & healthy schools this fall is to start the school year with a low count of cases. We are putting measures in place to protect the health of children, staff & families. Things will look a bit different when students & staff return in the fall. (4/9)

New measures will require students & staff to monitor symptoms daily & stay home if they’re feeling sick. Students must wash or sanitize their hands before & after entering school & classrooms. Surfaces at schools & on buses will be disinfected more often. (5/9)

Students & staff may choose to wear masks. We recognize this will be difficult for many students. That’s why we’re not relying on any single measure. Physical distancing, cohorting, hand-washing, enhanced cleaning & changes to how classes & schools operate will also help. (6/9)

Everyone in the school community will have to do their part to keep each other safe. If a student shows symptoms while at school, they will be separated from other students & parents or guardians will be asked to pick them up immediately. (7/9)

If there’s a case of COVID-19 in a school or school community, health officials will work with school authorities to ensure any follow up testing is conducted as needed & all other measures are put in place to limit the spread. For more info visit http://alberta.ca/returntoschool . (8/9)

We will continue to refine our public health advice for schools based on the best available evidence to minimize the risks of staff & children being exposed. This is part of living in the new normal of COVID-19. We must be agile, adaptive & guided by evidence as it emerges. (9/9)