Check against delivery.

Thank you, Tom, and good afternoon everyone.  

Today, I want to provide the latest numbers and remind us all about the importance of staying safe this holiday weekend.

I am pleased to report that there have been no new deaths in the last 24 hours.

Almost 12,800 Albertans have now recovered from the virus.

However, we identified 164 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, and the provincial lab completed 10,709 more tests.

Currently, there 1,433 active cases in Alberta. 47 people are in the hospital, including nine in intensive care.

We are heading into the last long weekend of summer, and I know many people are excited to enjoy it.

However, the number of cases being reported today is a clear reminder that we cannot afford to be reckless.

COVID-19 does not take holidays, and we have seen weekend barbeques and other gatherings spark outbreaks in the past.

I want to encourage all Albertans to have fun while making safety a priority this weekend.  Relax, enjoy yourself, but remain vigilant.

There are many ways to have fun, while still doing it safely.

For example, I know our province has many beautiful places to visit on a hopefully warm and inviting Labour Day weekend.

If you do visit new places, make sure you’re aware of any additional restrictions, such as mandatory mask bylaws, that may be in effect where you’re going.

Most places we go, we will share with others. So, bring a mask and hand sanitizer, and plan back-up activities if you find yourself in a crowded or unsafe place.

Gas pumps, store doors and shop shelves are high contact areas.

If you stop, sanitize your hands before and after pumping gas, shopping, and paying for and taking food at a drive-thru.

Wear a mask in indoor spaces where you might not be able to maintain distance at all times.

After using a public bathroom, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and sanitize again after touching the door on your way out.

In most cases, being outdoors makes it easier to maintain physical distancing.

For those who are camping this weekend, remember that campground operators have COVID-19 protection measures in place, so please follow each campground’s guidelines.

Alberta Parks is encouraging visitors to bring a mask and wear it when around people who are outside your household, and to bring hand sanitizer.

Accommodation providers in communities across the province are ready to welcome us with cleaned and sanitized rooms.

Still, be aware of your surroundings, and wear a mask if you’re in common areas where you can’t keep distant from others.

Currently, close contacts are the largest source of exposure of active cases, ahead of both outbreaks and unknown exposures. It’s important to be cautious, even when we’re with those we love.

If you’re attending a barbeque or other social gathering this weekend, keep it as small as possible and stay within your own cohort.

Protect loved ones by encouraging everyone to bring their own food and drinks, and use their own utensils.  Also, please don’t pass around snacks, drinks, smokes, tokes, or vapes.

This isn’t being rude. It’s being considerate of others. Now is not the time for sharing anything that has been in your mouth.

We know that the risk of transmission is lower when outdoors, so stay outside as much as possible, and try to keep your distance from others.

Lastly, if you’re feeling even a little sick at any point this weekend, stay home.

I know it’s disappointing, but don’t risk passing the virus on to friends and loved ones.

It has been a long pandemic and I know how energizing it can be to go camping, check out a restaurant, have a barbecue, and spend time with loved ones.

Just be wise, be safe and let’s all look out for each other.

Thank you, and I’m happy to take questions.