There was no video conference from Premier Jason Kenney, Minister of Health Tyler Shandro, or Cheif Medical Officer of Health Doctor Deena Hinshaw today.

Due to a technical issue, updated numbers on the Alberta website stating new active cases, hospitalizations, vaccine numbers, those in ICU, and local numbers were not yet posted at the time of this article's release.

During yesterday's update, Minister of Health Tyler Shandro announced the steady rise in hospitalizations was the main reason the government opted not to move forward with any health restriction eases. Shando said once hospitalizations and active cases begin to go down once again, they're prepared to move into Phase 3 of "A Path Forward."

As far as vaccinations go, right now, the province is in Phase 2A of the vaccination distribution plan.

The following Albertans can book their vaccine appointments through participating community pharmacies, calling 811 or AHS, or local on-reserve clinics:

  • Albertans born 1947 to 1956 (turning 65 to 74), no matter where they live
  • First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) people born 1971 or earlier (turning 50+), no matter where they live
  • Staff and residents of licensed seniors supportive living facilities
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Health-care workers in intensive care units
  • Health-care workers in emergency departments
  • Health-care workers in COVID-19 units, medical and surgical units, and operating rooms
  • Paramedics and emergency medical responders
  • Home care workers

At least two million rapid tests will be available for businesses in Alberta. This follows the successful rollout of more than 1.2 million rapid tests to long-term care facilities, schools, outbreak sites, hospitals, homeless shelters, and industries across the province.

Rapid testing kits have already been deployed to help screen and test cases, including:

  • 523,000 tests to long-term care and designated supportive living facilities
  • 443,000 tests to several companies in critical industries such as oil and gas, transportation, meatpacking, and utilities
  • 100,000 tests to support a rapid screening pilot in schools
  • 40 COVID-19 assessment centres
  • 47 hospital-based labs
  • Eight homeless shelters

Any employer or service provider in Alberta can apply for the free rapid tests. While anyone can apply, Alberta’s government will prioritize businesses or organizations involved with vulnerable populations, high-risk settings and workplaces, first responders, essential services and critical industry, and sectors that support the reopening of economic and social activities.

“Rapid testing kits have been used successfully in long-term care, shelters, and large worksites to keep Albertans safe." says Minister of Health Tyler Shandro, "This expansion of our rapid testing program supports our overall COVID-19 strategy, to shield those most at risk, to protect lives and livelihoods, and adapt our actions to new evidence as it comes. I am pleased that we are able to give businesses and service providers another tool for screening cases early and breaking the chain of transmission.”

To be eligible for rapid testing kits, employers and service providers must submit a screening program plan that outlines:

  • Protocols for administering the tests
  • The use of personal protective equipment
  • Processes for reporting results and managing individuals who screen positive.

A health-care provider is required to oversee the organization’s screening program. However, the tests can be administered by a trained layperson, and self-administration is permissible under certain conditions.