Julia WongVerified account

New numbers from @CMOH_Alberta: -1240 new cases -18300 tests -provincial positivity rate: 6.8% -795 in hospital with 151 in ICU -9 new deaths

Hinshaw speaks to new variant of COVID19 in #UK. This new strain appears to be more easily transmitted from person to person and could spread more widely in an exposed group of people, she says.

Hinshaw says variant doesn't appear to cause more severe symptoms and doesn't impact how body responds to the virus or the effectiveness of the #COVID19 vaccine.

Hinshaw says no variants with the same set of mutations have been identified in Canada but notes any travelers from the #UK in #AB should get tested even if they don't have symptoms.

Those participating in the border pilot (which is supposed to lower the quarantine time) will need to quarantine at this time, Hinshaw says, even if they have had a negative test result.

R value update! AB - 0.92 #yeg zone - 0.89 #yyc zone - 0.97

@KevinCTV asks what neighbours should do if they see people ignoring gathering rules for Christmas? Hinshaw says they should do what they would want their neighbour to do for them, consider impacts of those gatherings on our community.

From me, have staff been assigned to the Butterdome field hospital/care centre? How soon may patients be admitted? Hinshaw defers to AHS and says the timeline is in our hands. If we don't bend the curve down, we may need those extra spaces, she says. #yeg

@ByJamesKeller asks if current testing detects the mutation? Hinshaw says testing involves some genetic analysis of a sample of the viruses detected. She says there's a small possibility there could have been an introduction but no evidence it has arrived in #AB.

@BillFortierCTV asks what's the official position on NHL hockey in #yeg and #yyc? Hinshaw says she's having convos with colleagues across the country, there's a need to ensure public health is protected.

@paigeeparsons asks what province can do about churches not following public health orders? Hinshaw says majority of faith leaders have been hard-working, notes measures in place are best way to care for neighbours and communities.

@CarrieTait asks whether CERB payments are fueling overdoses in #AB? Hinshaw says this is not unique to CERB payment and it's impt to separate out the necessity of providing support to those impacted by the pandemic.

How high priority are inmates in receiving vaccine? Hinshaw says those living in congregate care (like prisons/jails) are at high risk of spread. Notes again that phase 2 decisions have not been made, says they have clear ethical dimensions.

@TomasiaDaSilva asks whether the pilot program will be stopped in light of the #UK variant? Hinshaw says no, they're just taking precautionary measures with this mutation. Also says testing for #UK travelers is recommended, individuals can decline.