Thank you, Premier. Good afternoon.

I’d like to start by giving a bit more information on the service disruption we’re experiencing today that has impacted our monitoring of COVID-19 cases.

Late yesterday, we experienced a data centre outage at the ministry that has shut down our data feed from the provincial lab. Teams have been working through the night to restore services. However, we have not been able to restart that data feed.

Our teams were able to determine the number of tests conducted and lab confirmed cases since yesterday’s update and we are reporting that information today.

Once the issue is resolved, we will release complete data and we expect that to be available as part of tomorrow’s update.

We recognize that many Albertans are interested in the daily COVID-19 data and appreciate your patience.

As the Premier indicated, we have identified 126 new COVID cases today.

This brings the total number of cases to 1,996, though this is preliminary at this time.

No new deaths have been reported since yesterday.

As expected, we have seen an increase in testing numbers as we have expanded testing to all Albertans.

Those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, who live anywhere in the province, can be tested by going to the Alberta Health Services online assessment tool.

We have completed 2,853 tests over the last 24 hours.

Tomorrow, we’ll have updated information on cases, as well as the latest numbers for recovered cases, hospitalizations and continuing care reporting.

Today, I would like to report a new outbreak at the Kearl Lake oil sands project, north of Fort McMurray.

Currently, three people connected with this work camp have tested positive for COVID-19.

Six more individuals connected with the work camp were tested yesterday, and are currently isolating. Their results are expected shortly.

Alberta Health Services continues to work closely with the company to implement outbreak procedures at the site and to minimize any risk of transmission.

These procedures include appropriate cleaning and infection prevention, as well as continued emphasis on following my guidelines for managers and operators of industrial work camps.

This includes a focus on physical distancing, isolating any employee who has COVID-19 symptoms and limiting gatherings as required.

I thank the employees, managers, camp operators and employers for their continued diligence to keep these camps functional and contributing to Alberta’s economy positively during a very challenging time.

We will continue to update you on the situation as it evolves.

I’d also like to provide an update related to meat packing plants in southern Alberta. Over the past few weeks, there have been a few different meat packing plants that have had cases of COVID-19 reported.

You will recall that a few weeks ago we talked about a Harmony plant and that has been resolved. Local public health has worked with that location as well as a location in High River — as they do at any work site where exposure may have occurred, to ensure that any close contacts are isolated for 14 days, and to prevent transmission in the work place.

As I have previously said, COVID-19 is not a food borne illness. There is no risk to the public from food produced at these facilities.

The facility in High River is experiencing a need for increased testing, and to accommodate this, Alberta Health Services will be opening a dedicated assessment centre there in the coming week. This will be accessible through the AHS online assessment, or for those without internet access, by calling 811.

Even before that dedicated assessment centre is open, anyone in that area can access testing by going though that online assessment tool or by calling 811 if you do not have internet access and you will be directed to the testing site closest to you.

For all businesses and workplaces continuing to operate during this pandemic as essential services, I would like to emphasize the importance of following public health guidance and recommendations to limit the risk to staff and the public.

This includes:

  • Performing hazard assessments for all duties and undertaking steps to control the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
  • Finding alternate ways to hold essential meetings of large groups, such as teleconferencing.
  • And implementing business continuity plans to prepare critical operations for any potential interruption.

I encourage business owners to visit the Alberta COVID website for additional workplace guidance on how they can protect themselves, their staff and their patrons.

Before I conclude, I would like to recognize the importance of the additional funding for mental health supports announced by the Premier today.

These additional supports will help Albertans during these unprecedented times.

As I mentioned yesterday, we are all grappling with the impacts of this pandemic in one way or another.

No matter what you might be experiencing, whether its grief, anger, or anxiety, these are normal feelings.

It is important to take whatever steps necessary to acknowledge and process these feelings, and protect your mental health.

I encourage you to reach out to your family and loved ones and support each other — and to reach out to any of the services mentioned today that you may need.

Everyday, I am moved by the stories I read of Albertans looking out for each other, finding ways to connect, and maintaining a sense of community.

I read of Ringette Alberta, which, after being forced to cancel its season, launched virtual playoffs to reward players and teams for good deeds, such as doing chores or helping others.

I also heard of Shaquir Duraj, whose Calgary bakery has been delivering loaves of bread to seniors and others in need, with hundreds delivered to people’s doorsteps free of charge since the middle of March.

Thank you to all of you for doing your part in helping to make these challenging times easier for others. We will get through this together.

Thank you. Premier and I are happy to take your questions.