Recommendations for a safe Thanksgiving were included in today's Covid-19 update with Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

Dr. Hinshaw also addressed the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions on mental health and addictions.

"Covid-19 is one of the most significant public health challenges that we have faced in several generations. At times, it has forced us to make difficult choices and implement aggressive restrictions. the impact of Covid-19 and the impact of the restrictions that we have implemented are far-reaching," she said.

The recommendations for Thanksgiving included having one person plating food to avoid sharing serving utensils, consider having pre-portioned servings, ordering take-out, or having guests bring their own food.

"We all want Thanksgiving to be a safe holiday that keeps everyone healthy. It's best to keep gatherings within your established cohorts of up to 15 people outside your household. Smaller is safer. This is not the time for large gatherings," she said.

Dr. Hinshaw was also questioned about a possible second wave of Covid-19.

Hinshaw indicated she does not believe that is where Alberta is at currently, as numbers have remained stable, in her opinion.

"We have seen increased daily case counts for the last few months, but those have remained relatively stable. When I think about a second wave, I think about a very large spike of uncontrolled spread, and that's entirely within our power and our control as Albertans about how that spread happens in our communities," she said.

The town of Okotoks has 12 active cases, High River has 3 active cases, while Black Diamond and Turner Valley have 11 active cases.

There were 158 new cases reported, with 12,700 tests completed in the last 24 hours. One new death has also been reported.

58 people are in hospitals, with 14 of those in ICU. Alberta's case count is now 1462.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email news@okotoksonline.com