I know that some people have concerns after the 1st case of variant transmission in schools was identified yesterday. This is understandable. We are being extremely cautious to limit any future transmission. (1/6)

Schools continue to be safe places. We continue to see the number of new #COVID19 cases in school-aged Albertans declining after 1 month of in-person classes - and we’re working hard to keep it that way. (2/6)

The school measures in place reduce the risk of transmission, but we all must help limit spread. Just as our currently dominant strain of COVID-19 occasionally spreads in schools, so too can the variant. That’s why we’re acting quickly. (3/6)

The faster we identify variant cases, the faster we limit further spread. We are screening school cases for the UK and SA variants. As soon as someone tests positive, rigorous contract tracing takes place. Everyone at risk is quarantined & tested twice. (4/6)

Early identification of any positive case helps us to protect the health of everyone involved & limit any future transmission. This underscores the importance of isolating & getting tested when ill, even w/ minor symptoms, or if you are a close contact of a case. (5/6)

I know that these variants are concerning for everyone, including me. We are working to prevent their spread, but we all must continue to be safe, be wise and keep following the measures in place to protect each other. (6/6)