COVID-19

Albertans wait to see if Stage 3 of Open for Summer is a go.

As of Wednesday, June 16 the first-dose vaccination rate sits at 69.7 per cent up from 69.4 per cent yesterday (Tuesday).

Second dose vaccinations increased to 23.1 per cent.

There were 115 new cases of COVID 19 reported in the past 24 hours with a positivity rate of 2.28%.

Hospitalizations have dropped by 16 to 255 and there are 67 in ICU.

Another 4 deaths have been reported bringing the total in the province to 2,278.

The Northwestern Health Unit says two active cases of COVID-19 in the Rainy River district are the Alpha variant of concern.

The heath unit didn't indicate how the variant entered the region.

For those Albertans who roll up their sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccine, more incentives have been added to the Open for Summer Lottery. 

In addition to the three $1 million prize draws up for grabs, an additional 40 travel-related prizes courtesy of WestJet and Air Canada are available for the winning. 

The draws are open to all Albertans age 18 and older who register for the Open for Summer Lottery. 

Public health officials advise seven new deaths in people with COVID-19 have been reported today:
• a female in her 40s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the B.1.1.7 variant of concern;
• a male in his 60s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the B.1.1.7 variant of concern;
• a male in his 70s from the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region, linked to an unspecified variant of concern;
• a female in her 70s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the B.1.1.7 variant of concern;

Students had left the RancheView School about a half-hour before it was visited by a delegation of anti-vac lobbyists. 

A letter has been sent to parents by school principal Sharon Cronin outlining the circumstances.

On June 10, one person entered the school's office and asked to speak to the school principal. She was asked to wait outside, but when Cronin went into the front foyer five people were waiting.

They didn't provide their names, and when one person started talking about vaccines, they were politely asked to leave.

Albertans who get fully vaccinated with two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine now have a chance to win vacation packages and other travel prizes from WestJet and Air Canada.

Along with three draws for $1 million each, Alberta’s Open for Summer Lottery will now offer an additional 40 travel-related prizes provided by WestJet and Air Canada. This includes week-long stays at all-inclusive luxury resorts and flights across Canada and abroad.

Doctor André Corriveau, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, took the spotlight Tuesday afternoon to update Albertans on the current COVID-19 situation. Hinshaw did not participate in the update as she's currently taking time off.

Cases have steadily declined across the province in the past few weeks, going from the peak of over 25,000 active cases in mid-May to just under 3,000 active cases as of June 15. There are 2,804 active cases in Alberta right now, which is the lowest number of active cases in Alberta since October 15, 2020.

The Ontario/Manitoba border is now open after nearly two months and Northwestern Ontario can expect a busy weekend. 

"With the border restrictions being lifted we know this is going to be like May Long weekend for folks from the west. We ask all travelers to put the phones down, no distracted driving, travel patiently and make sure to get to your destination safely," says Kenora O.P.P. Detachment Commander, Inspector Jeff Duggan. 

The restrictions at the border came into effect on April 19 disallowing many summer residents to head to their cottages. 

The Northwestern Health Unit has expanded 2nd dose eligibility for clinics starting today, announced by the Medical Officer of the NWHU Dr. Kit Young Hoon in a media briefing yesterday.

Anyone who received a Moderna or Pfizer vaccine at least 28 days previously is eligible to receive their 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

People that want their 2nd dose can make an appointment or attend one of the various NWHU walk-in clinics.

The Northwestern Health Unit has reported there have been no new reports of COVID-19 in the district.

Currently, there are six active cases in the catchment area. Three in the Kenora Health Hub and Three in the Rainy River Health Hub.

As of Monday's vaccination report, 71.1% of the region has received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.