By rdnewsNOW staff

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Dr. Hinshaw shares COVID-19 update for Feb. 9

Feb 9, 2021 | 3:20 PM

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health is set to provide her latest update on the COVID-19 situation in the province.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw will speak during a news conference scheduled for 3:30 p.m. You can watch the news conference below once it begins.

It was announced earlier on Tuesday that Alberta is expanding rapid testing for the novel coronavirus.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro says the tests will screen asymptomatic staff at all long-term care and supportive living facilities.

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There will also be a new rapid testing program at Suncor Energy’s base plant in Fort McMurray and the First Nation and Metis community of Fort McKay.

Shandro says the tests are critical to keeping COVID-19 from spreading and will begin as early as next week.

Rapid tests have been used since December at hospitals, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities deemed to be potential outbreak sites.

The tests give results within an hour, allowing for quicker tracking and quarantining.