Here is a summary thread of today’s #COVID19AB update. More than 8,500 Albertans have recovered. 106 people are hospitalized with 21 in ICUs. There are 114 new cases out of about 8,200 new tests. Two more Albertans have died. I extend my condolences. (1/9)

Our acute care use is approaching the highest number of admissions on any 1 day we’ve had – 113 overall admissions on April 30 and 23 ICU admissions on May 1. This needs to be a wake up call. I am very concerned by these numbers. (2/9)

On July 9, we had 590 active cases - today nearly 1,300. 7 Albertans were in ICU 2 weeks ago, now we have triple that. 24 in hospital are under the age of 60, including 7 between 20-39. While younger people have a lower risk of severe outcomes, that does not mean 0 risk. (3/9)

Here is some real-life Alberta data on the risks that exist. 1/50 diagnosed cases between ages 30-39 have needed to be admitted to hospital. Between ages 40-69, 1/20 diagnosed cases have required hospitalization. (4/9)

What does risk to older Albertans mean? 1/10 diagnosed cases aged 70-79 have died & 1/4 for those over 80. Think about those you know who are over the age of 70. I have many loved family & friends in this age group & I would not want to gamble their lives with these odds. (5/9)

Surviving COVID-19 can be life-changing. There’s some emerging evidence of long-term outcomes, particularly with more severe illness - lung damage & higher risk of diabetes. Regardless of age, we don’t know what impact COVID-19 will have on your lifelong health. (6/9)

We need to take current numbers as a warning & to do what we need to do to prevent infections spreading widely and quickly. Wash your hands, physically distance, wear a mask when you can’t, & if you’re even slightly sick, stay home & get tested. (7/9)

The updated Guidance for Safe Visiting in Licensed Supportive Living, Long-term Care & Hospices becomes effective today. Please be patient. There’s a lot for operators to consider & plan. We have posted a video online for residents & families. (8/9)

There has been a great deal of discussion around masks. Masking is critically important & I strongly recommend Albertans wear masks. I encourage all parents to include reusable cloth masks on their back to school shopping lists. If you don’t wear a mask, please start today. (9/9)