COVID numbers: AHS ordered to drop mandatory staff COVID-19 vaccination policy

The mandatory vaccination policy was enacted late in 2021 as the Omicron variant raged across the province.

“Fortunately now we are at the tail-end of the Omicron wave, and with our high vaccination rates we’re in a very different situation,” he said.

Copping also announced that youth aged 12-17 who are at least five months removed from getting their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible for a third dose as of March 14.

Moving forward, Alberta will invest $300 million over three years to add ICU capacity as the province emerges from the fifth wave of COVID-19.

The province will allocate $100 million for up to 50 new permanent ICU beds this year. The remaining money will be allocated for the next two years to keep them operational.

The beds will be spread across all health zones in Alberta, with further details to come.

Copping also said there are no plans to bring back PCR testing for the general public at present.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said that as the world shifts to an endemic approach, it will not be easy for everyone.

“We need to assess the COVID risks for ourselves and our families and make the best decisions possible for our unique circumstances,” she said. “It’s critical that we respect the choices that people make and show patience and tolerance to those who are making different choices than we make for ourselves.”

She reiterated that vaccines are highly effective against hospitalization and severe outcomes.

“Long after restrictions are lifted, vaccination against COVID-19 will continue to be an important part of Albertans’ health and wellbeing,” she said.

PROVINCIAL NUMBERS

*Numbers are up to date as of previous day’s end. Numbers in parentheses represent a one-day change from last Friday

Hospitalizations: 1,106 (+3)

ICU admissions: 77 (–)

Deaths: 3,979 (+7)

MORE HEALTHCARE CAPACITY DATA

—

*With the province limiting testing in the fifth wave, these confirmed cases do not accurately reflect the number of cases in the community.

Total cases: 529,184 (+467)

Active caseload: 7,149 (-9)

Tests completed: 2,202

Seven-day positivity rate: 19.32% (-0.75)

RED DEER

*Numbers are up to date as of previous day’s end. Numbers in parentheses represent a one-day change from last Friday

Total cases: 13,511 (+10)

Total recoveries: 13,118 (+5)

Active caseload: 296 (+5)

Deaths: 97 (–) >> last deaths reported March 7, 2022

WASTEWATER DATA

CENTRAL ZONE

*Numbers are up to date as of previous day’s end. Numbers in parentheses represent a one-day change from last Friday

Hospitalizations: 128 (+2)

ICU admissions: 6 (-1)

Active caseload: 1,070 (+15)

Deaths: 505 (+2)

Death details:

· Date of death. 3/6/2022. A male in his 60s in Central zone. The case involved pre-existing conditions.

· Date of death. 3/6/2022. A male in his 90s in Central zone. The case involved pre-existing conditions.

Elsewhere in the zone

Red Deer County: 51 (+1)

Sylvan Lake: 30 (+1)

Lacombe County: 32 (-1)

City of Lacombe: 57 (-1)

Ponoka County: 70 (+1)

For more data from central Alberta communities, click here.

VACCINATION DATA

INFLUENZA – as of March 7, 2022

Cases: 43

Influenza A: 41

Influenza B: 2

Hospitalized: 1

ICU: 0

Deaths: 0

More information is at alberta.ca/covid19.

WATCH today’s update with Dr. Hinshaw and Minister Copping

by Josh Hall (rdnewsNOW) and Chris Brown (CHAT News Today)

COVID numbers: AHS ordered to drop mandatory staff COVID-19 vaccination policy

What's Trending