Appendix B:

Samples of Completed Data Collection Sheets

Researcher Name: Elka Eisenzimmer

Date of Video: March 17, 2020

Number of Views on YourAlberta YouTube account: 97, 238 as of November 7, 2021

Number of Views on Facebook: 118,000 views on Jason Kenney Facebook page as on November 7, 2021. Video was not found on YourAlberta Facebook page.

Transcript: Yes

Name of Government of Alberta Officials speaking: Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw

Key messages:

Premier Kenney announced earlier in the day that Alberta was taking aggressive, new measures in an effort to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The Government of Alberta is finalizing the signing of a state of public health emergency, empowering authorities under the Public Health Act to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. (DH, transcript, para 9 and 10).

Albertans need to limit their time in large crowds and crowded spaces. Introduced the first public health measures in Alberta.

Practice good hygiene – wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds and cover coughs and sneezes to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Albertans also need to socially distance themselves from others.

Additional Health Measures Announced:

“New public health measures under this state of emergency will limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and crowded spaces”. (DH, transcript, para. 11)

Effective immediately: (DH, transcript, under Effective Immediately)

–     Mass gatherings are limited to no more than 50 attendees. This is inclusive of places of worship, funerals and weddings, where Albertans must ensure appropriate social distancing and other sanitization practices. Grocery stores, shopping centres, health care facilities, airports and other essential services are not included.

–     Any other organized gatherings of more than 50 people must be cancelled immediately.

–     All Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreational facilities and private entertainment facilities, including casinos, racing entertainment centres, and bingo halls.

–     They should also not attend all recreational facilities, gyms, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries and community centres, fitness centres and swimming pools.

–     The prohibition also extends to attending bars and nightclubs.

–     Sit-down restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, food courts and other food-serving facilities, including those with a minors-allowed liquor license, are limited to 50 percent capacity to a maximum of 50 people.

–     Not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens and religious kitchens are exempt, but sanitization practices are expected to be in place and support will be in place for this practice. Food services in work camps are also exempt, but in addition to appropriate sanitization practices, arrangements should be made to provide for workers if they are self-isolated.

–     Alberta Health is postponing all scheduled and elective surgeries. Urgent and emergency surgery, as well as oncology and scheduled cesarian procedures, will continue.

–     Advise all Albertans to take all appropriate steps to socially distance themselves from others during their day-to-day lives.

Write down key words or phrases from the video (Up to 10):

“These are aggressive steps that we do not take lightly, but these are necessary to keep us all healthy and safe.” (DH, transcript, para. 22)

“The only means we have to prevent this virus from spreading is to limit contact between people. The more we can slow the spread of the virus down, the less likely it is that there will be a surge of cases that overwhelm our health system’s capacity to care for those who need hospitalization or intensive care. You may have heard this described as “flattening the curve”. This is why we are taking these measures.” (DH, transcript, para. 23)

“I understand the tremendous impact these measures will have on all of us.” (DH, transcript, para. 30)

“We will get through this together, but we need your help and support by following these orders and all other public health guidance. I can not stress this enough. We all must take measures to improve sanitation and cleanliness.” (DH, transcript, para. 31 and 32)

“These measures introduced today will be hard on all of us, but I believe we are ready, and able, to rise to the challenge before us.” (DH, transcript, para. 41)

“Albertans’ health is and will always be our top priority.” (DH, transcript, para. 42)

Statistics given (i.e. “90% of ICU patients are unvaccinated”):

“Over the last 24 hours, we have confirmed 23 new cases of Covid-19. Bringing the provincial total to 97, up from 74.” (DH, transcript, para. 4 and 5)

5 hospitalized, 2 admitted to ICU. The same as previously reported. (DH, transcript, para. 7)

What is the main feeling of the video (i.e. hope, fear, etc.): Serious but we can all work together to overcome it.

Research sub question: Has government messaging effectively managed public trust, pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical prevention?

In declaring a public state of health emergency, the update by Dr. Deena Hindshaw effectively managed public trust with her message. She was calm, clear, and concise. She reiterates throughout her speech that we are all in this together and will get through it together. She uses the word “all” sixteen times and “Albertans” eight times. She doesn’t spark fear. And she suggests there are simple ways of protecting yourself – washing your hands, covering your mouth and practicing social distancing.

Table B1. Completed data collection sheet for video analysis

Table B2. Completed data collection sheet for social media analysis.