EDMONTON (660NEWS) — Twelve additional deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in Alberta.
The updated numbers come as the province records 402 new cases of the virus, as well as 16 additional cases of the B.1.1.7 variant.
WATCH: Dr. Deena Hinshaw provides latest update on COVID-19 in Alberta.
Hospitalizations from COVID-19 now sit at 251, with 48 people now in the ICU.
UPDATED:
NEW:
– 402 new COVID cases in Alberta on 10362 tests (3.9%+
– 251 in hospital (-10), 48 in ICU (-3)
– 12 new deaths reported, now up to 1902
– 4649 active cases (+18)#yeg #yyc #ableg #covid19ab pic.twitter.com/Hv86fgxbaY— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 3, 2021
Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw also discussed second-dose appointments for Albertans who have had their first vaccine dose.
Dr. Hinshaw says the province will be adopting the recommendation from The National Advisory Committee on Immunization which says provinces can wait up to four months before giving the second doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
WATCH: City News’ Nigel Newlove reports on more provinces delaying giving Canadians a second dose of a vaccine despite instructions by manufacturers.
Anyone who has booked their second dose appointment or does so before March 10 will receive their second shot within the initial 42-day window.
Anyone booked after March 10 will then use the four-month window.
Alberta’s top doctor is also urging anyone booking in for vaccine appointments to only do so once, as some Albertans have been calling multiple locations and booking multiple appointments.
Hinshaw says they have not received AstraZeneca yet – expecting it next week.
Hinshaw says some people have booked in multiple locations – resulting in some vaccine bookings not being used or filled. #yeg #yyc #ableg #covid19ab
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 3, 2021
An outbreak has also been declared at Edmonton’s Churchill Manor Retirement Home, the first outbreak connected to variant cases in the province.
Twenty-seven staff and residents have now tested positive for the virus, with 19 of the cases being listed as variant cases.
A combination of enhanced lab testing and rapid screening have been added to infection protocols already in place. #yeg #yyc #ableg #covid19ab
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 3, 2021
