EDMONTON (660NEWS) — In Tuesday’s provincial COVID-19 update, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced 12 new cases of the B.1.1.7 variant in Alberta.
To date, 301 variant cases have been confirmed in the province, with 294 being the B.1.1.7 variant and 7 of the B.1.351 variant.
Meanwhile, 267 new cases of the virus were confirmed in the province Tuesday.
Fifty-one people are now in the Intensive Care Unit fighting the virus, with 326 people in hospital.
NEW:
12 new cases of variants of concern in Alberta, now up to 301 to date. #yeg #yyc #ableg #covid19ab pic.twitter.com/t6Ro4IdbkR
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) February 23, 2021
Following the initial numbers, Dr. Hinshaw reported that 180,000 doses of vaccine have now been administered in the province, with 73,000 Albertans now fully vaccinated.
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Beginning Wednesday, Albertans 75 years and older will be able to book their vaccine appointments.
All seniors who wish to get their first dose of vaccine will be able to get one before the end of March.
To avoid confusion, any senior who was born in 1946 or later will be able to get the vaccine, even if they are currently 74 years old.
Vaccine will be administered 7 days a week.
But appointments will only be from 8:20 AM and 3:40 PM until more doses arrive.
Details on pharmacy options will come later this week.
Family can book for older relatives. #yeg #yyc #ableg #covid19ab
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) February 23, 2021
Prior to the update, Dr. Hinshaw provided some clarity on the easing of restrictions.
Unlike the easing of restrictions for Step 1, any lifting of restrictions in the future may not require a week’s notice.
Hinshaw clarifies step 2 easing.
Says the easing of Steps 2, 3 or 4 won't necessarily require a week's notice, unlike step 1.
Thus, if a decision is made on March 1st to ease restrictions, they could be implemented that same day. #yeg #yyc #ableg #covid19ab
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) February 23, 2021
