COVID-19

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, provided an update on the rollout of third vaccine doses to immunocompromised Albertans as well as First Nations, Metis and Inuit people over 65 and seniors over the age of 75. So far, over 231,000 third doses have been administered to these groups. 

“The third dose is a booster to strengthen and prolong the protection from the primary series of two doses,” said Hinshaw. 

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is pleased to announce 94 per cent of full-time and part-time AHS employees - and 94 per cent of AHS physicians - have submitted proof of having two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. More than 97 per cent of ICU staff are fully immunized.

We are grateful to all who have already submitted their proof of immunization and continue to go above and beyond to keep each other and our patients safe.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced the province's Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term in a media briefing today (October 22, 2021).

The goal of the plan is to gradually lift remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022. The plan will be guided by the ongoing assessment of key public health and health care indicators and supported by local or regional tailored responses to COVID-19.

Kenora MP Eric Melillo is approving of the federal government's soon-to-be-implemented vaccine passport, which will be standardized across Canada.

“I think it’s a very positive step. I’m glad to see the government moving forward on this,” said Melillo, during an interview with KenoraOnline and the Q Morning Show earlier today.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau detailed the federal government’s vaccine passport yesterday afternoon, noting that the US land and sea borders will be open to fully vaccinated Canadians for non-essential reasons and travel as of November 8.

The Northwestern Health Unit has released their daily COVID-19 case update and it showed no new cases have been found in the region. 

In the NWHU catchment area, there are three active cases connected to the region. 

The next daily case update from the NWHU will be on Monday, October 25, 2021. 

Third doses of the COVID 19 vaccine are available to eligible people in Ontario.  

Anyone living in a retirement home, long-term care home, elder care lodge, and seniors living in other congregate settings (including senior’s apartment buildings) can get a third dose if it has been at least five months since their second dose. 

During the Thursday, October 21 COVID-19 update, Dr. Hinshaw reported, "There are currently active alerts or outbreaks in 288 schools.

As the month of October brings with it the spooky season, Dr. Deena Hinshaw reminded Albertans that Halloween is not the time to gather in large numbers.

"I know that many Albertans eagerly await Halloween, as my children and I also do." says Hinshaw, "The fun of finding the right costume and going out Trick or Treating is part of the joy of childhood. And we can keep this joy while at the same time protecting our communities."

Tips and advice on how to celebrate Halloween safely in the midst of the 4th COVID-19 wave have been posted on the Alberta website.

The province hit a grim milestone on Wednesday (Oct.20). 

18 deaths related to COVID-19 were reported in Alberta, bringing the total number of deaths to 3,006. 

The province identified 786 new cases of the virus Wednesday. Currently, 928 people are in the hospital, and 203 are in intensive care. There are 10,824 active cases of COVID-19 in Alberta. 

In the City of Grande Prairie there are currently 228 active cases of COVID-19, and the County of Grande Prairie has dropped to 118.

Information provided by FortSaskOnline/Government of Alberta

The province says they issued one dozen COVID-19 enforcement tickets in the past week.

Public health officials advise four new deaths in people with COVID-19 are being reported today: