In the first in-person update for COVID-19 of 2021, Minister of Health Tyler Shandro and Chief Medical Officer of Health Deena Hinshaw addressed the province. 

Shandro spoke first regarding the healthcare worker from the Calgary Zone who passed away from COVID-19, as well as announce a second healthcare worker death related to COVID-19 in the province, a woman in her 50's from the Edmonton Zone. Shandro also gave an update on the current status of immunizations across the province.

"Just about 3 weeks ago we immunized the first Albertan and since then AHS has been steadily ramping up to use the supply of the vaccines as we receive them based on the priorities and our plan. AHS is doing a superb job at this rollout and I want to thank those who are giving out the shots."

To date, more than 29,000 vaccinations have been given, according to Shandro.

Deena Hinshaw gave the COVID-19 update as well as said her piece regarding vaccine wastage rumors.

"I've heard that some Albertans believe doses of vaccine are being wasted or thrown away deliberately. It's important to address this inaccurate information that may be circulating online. Once thawed and brought to room temperature, the vaccine must be used within a few hours. Each dose is thawed and prepared according to pre-scheduled appointments booked online. AHS has been instructed to overbook appointment slots to ensure someone is always in line."

As for the updated COVID numbers, 843 new cases have been identified in the last 24 hours from more than 10,300 tests, bringing the overall positivity rate to 8.2%.

Hinshaw saw the healthcare system remains under significant pressure with 919 people in the hospital, 142 of them in ICU. 26 new deaths were also reported.

The provincial active case total sits at 13,411. A drop of 428 from yesterday. 

In Airdrie there are 156 active cases. Over 1,300 Airdonians have recovered. The number of Airdrie deaths from COVID is 9.

Rockyview County sits at 81 active cases.