In the future after becoming a member of the premier, well being minister and CEO of Alberta Well being Companies, Alberta’s chief medical officer of well being is scheduled to offer one other COVID-19 replace Tuesday afternoon.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw is about to talk at 2 p.m. Her tackle shall be streamed reside inside this text.
A supply confirms to World Information/630 CHED {that a} case of the Omicron variant of concern has been recognized in Alberta.
In an emailed response, Alberta Well being mentioned to “keep tuned for the two p.m. availability.”
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COVID-19: Alberta pronounces new steps to organize for Omicron’s ‘doubtless’ arrival
On Monday, Jason Kenney outlined the province’s steps to organize for the “doubtless” arrival of Omicron, a brand new COVID-19 variant of concern.
The Alberta authorities mentioned it plans to check all COVID-19 circumstances not recognized as Delta circumstances for the Omicron variant and people efforts will prioritize circumstances involving travellers.
Kenney added that 156 travellers have arrived in Alberta within the final two weeks from nations of concern with regard to the brand new variant and all have been reached out to in an effort to rapidly tackle any potential new COVID-19 circumstances.
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Canada finds first circumstances of Omicron COVID-19 variant in Ontario. Right here’s what we all know
The federal government mentioned anybody returning to Alberta from a global vacation spot who exams constructive for COVID-19 shall be topic to a extra in depth case investigation and heightened contract tracing efforts. PCR exams shall be advisable for shut contacts and family contacts.
Kenney, Hinshaw and Well being Minister Jason Copping all mentioned the best manner for Albertans to guard themselves and others towards the Omicron variant is to get vaccinated towards COVID-19. Kenney famous vaccines have confirmed to be efficient towards completely different variants, even when the medical neighborhood continues to be studying about Omicron.
Kenney mentioned the Alberta authorities hopes to have extra information on a “vital growth” of the group eligible for COVID-19 booster photographs “quickly.”
At present, a 3rd dose is obtainable to pick teams of Albertans who’re immunocompromised, 70 years and older, First Nations, Metis and Inuit Albertans who acquired their second dose at the least six months in the past, health-care employees who acquired their first two doses at sure instances and intervals, some travellers, and individuals who acquired two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen.
Additionally on Monday, AHS CEO Dr. Verna Yiu introduced that, on the authorities’s course, AHS is quickly including proof of destructive COVID-19 take a look at to its obligatory vaccine coverage in some communities the place the mandate would end in staffing shortages and well being take care of Albertans.
Yiu mentioned the short-term speedy testing possibility could be accessible in a “small variety of areas the place lack of vaccination could affect affected person care.”
It interprets to about 260 AHS staff being eligible for the testing possibility at about 16 work areas throughout the province, she added.
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Alberta brings in speedy testing at well being websites the place COVID-19 vaccine mandate prompted staffing scarcity
The proof of destructive COVID-19 testing program begins on Dec. 13. AHS mentioned the short-term testing directive shall be reviewed by the tip of March 2022.
AHS’ immunization coverage deadline can even be adjusted to Dec. 13.
“It’s disappointing that about 3,000 of or workers both haven’t submitted proof of vaccination or have determined to stay unvaccinated,” Yiu mentioned.
“We’ve carried out all we will do to encourage them. We’ve reached out to offer evidence-based causes to get the vaccine and have labored onerous to reply any questions or issues which were raised and we have now careworn simply how invaluable the vaccine is in defending these in our care.
“Sadly there are a small variety of areas the place lack of vaccination could affect affected person care and this raises issues for us all.”
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