Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health gave the provincial COVID-19 update, letting Albertans know that changes are coming to the way COVID updates will be given.

"Over the past 16 months, it has been a privilege to provide more than 230 updates to media and to the public. We have been through a lot together, and COVID-19 will be with us for some time. Cases are falling quickly and vaccinations are rising," said Dr. Deena Hinshaw,

"That's why, to give our hard-working data teams a break, we will not be reporting cases or vaccine numbers on weekends any longer. We will continue posting detailed data every weekday. This is the same approach B.C. and other provinces have been taking for some time."

Hinshaw announced that June 29 will be her last regularity scheduled media availability. After that, in-person updates will be on a need basis.

"The reality is that we're making great progress. There are other health issues that also need our time and attention," said Hinshaw.

As for vaccinations, 70.8 per cent of eligible Albertans have received their first dose and 30.4 per cent are fully immunized with two shots.

Alberta Health clarified the vaccine data for the City of Airdrie, saying that just over 68 per cent of those eligible have been vaccinated. Around 55 per cent of the population, eligible and non-eligible, have been immunized. 

There are currently 1,773 active cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, a noticeable drop from Monday's 2,003.

There are 200 Albertans in the hospital and 54 in intensive care. 

Active COVID cases in Airdrie dropped to 16 while in Rocky View County there are now 14 active cases.

On Tuesday afternoon, the City of Airdrie announced a drop-in clinic, the first of its kind, taking walk-ins for Albertans looking to receive their first dose of the vaccine.

In a release, the City of Airdrie said, "A first dose, drop-in, COVID-19 immunization clinic has been scheduled for Airdrie this weekend. If you would like to be vaccinated, visit the Town and Country Centre (275 Jensen Drive) this Saturday, June 26 between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

No appointment is necessary. Please note this walk-in availability is to receive a first dose only. AHS would like you to bring your Alberta Health Care card if you have one, along with photo ID. You will be required to wear a mask.

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