Check against delivery.

Thank you, Tom and good afternoon everyone.

Before I give today’s update, I want to say thank you to the many Albertans who have sent me messages of encouragement this week and have encouraged both me and my team.

I am grateful for these notes and for what they represent – Albertans working together, encouraging each other, and standing firmly against COVID-19.

Each one of you is making a difference. Thank you.

Over the last 24 hours, we have identified 1,828 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, and completed about 17,200 tests.

Our provincial positivity rate has risen to 10.5%, and we now have 18,243 active cases.

This positivity rate is a grim milestone and one that should concern us all.

There are 533 people in hospital, including 99 who have been admitted to the ICU.

Sadly, there were 15 deaths related to COVID-19 reported to us in the past 24 hours.

I want to share my deepest condolences with the family and friends of these individuals.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is never easy and I know the challenges and restrictions of this virus make it even more difficult.

In schools, there are currently active alerts or outbreaks in 415 schools, about 18% of all schools in Alberta.

Currently they have a combined total of 1,581 active cases.

This number includes 221 schools with outbreaks, including 99 currently on the watch list.

We are heading into the first weekend of December.

In a difficult year, I know this last month may be the toughest for many.

This virus can spread quickly, from one to many. In a month usually marked by festive gatherings, we feel the restrictions more keenly.

But I want to stress the seriousness of the rising case numbers that we are seeing, and how crucial it is that we reduce the spread and bend the curve back down.

Earlier this week, I was also reminded of the remarkable work that many Albertans are doing to support each other in this difficult time..

Groups like the YEG Community Response Group in Edmonton, and the YYC COVID-19 Volunteers Group in Calgary, both of which have done amazing work using Facebook to help connect people with free food, walkers and other supplies and resources throughout the pandemic.

Or the folks in St. Albert who groomed the walking trails and made the main paths more than 6 feet wide to allow people to pass safely while they’re out getting some fresh air and exercise.

I’ve also heard about many initiatives across the province that are connecting generous donors with seniors to provide cards and small gifts during the holidays – a meaningful gesture to remind those who have been most impacted by the pandemic that they matter.

Millions of Albertans have risen to challenge, and are working very hard to limit the spread and to support each other.

Today, I want to say thank you to everyone who is following the health measures, and going above and beyond to prevent the spread.

You are the majority in our province.

This weekend, we need you to keep doing what you’re doing.

If you have not been following the rules, or if you know that your behaviour could be little safer, this is the weekend to change it.

This is the time for staying home and staying safe.

If you do meet people, meet outdoors if you can, and maintain physical distance.

Avoid anywhere with crowds.

This includes shopping at less crowded times, and using local curbside pickup shopping when you can.

These are just a few examples.

In fact, I want to issue a challenge to all Albertans this weekend.

A challenge to fully embrace not just the specifics of the measures but also the spirit of them – which is to reduce as many in-person interactions with people outside of your household as possible.

Go above and beyond, whenever you can.

By resisting the urge to socialize this weekend and limiting your close contact with others, you are not only protecting yourself and those closest to you from the virus, but you’re playing a critical role in helping to break chains of transmission – which can save lives.

By getting outdoors and enjoying the mild weather, you are supporting our dedicated healthcare workers who work around the clock to care for Albertans.

By connecting with family and friends virtually, you’re helping to prevent spread and protect our  care health system.

By staying home and bending the curve – not the rules – you are sparing someone from the worry of watching a loved one battle COVID-19.

You might even spare them the pain and loss of losing someone to this virus.

Each of us hold this power.

By all of us going above and beyond, by reducing as many in-person interactions with people outside our households as possible, we can harness this collective power.

We are all in this together, and the majority of Albertans working together has the power to change this.

This weekend, please be wise, be kind, and please go the extra mile.

Thank you and I will now be happy to take questions.