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The province is currently monitoring the new Omicron COVID-19 variant as Ontario confirmed two cases over the weekend.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw took to Twitter on Sunday to address reports of the new B.1.1.529 strain which was detected in South Africa.
Hinshaw says there currently isn't any known cases of the Omicron variant in Alberta but confirms that Alberta Health Services (AHS) is closely monitoring the spread of the altered virus.
"We are working with health officials across the country to monitor the Omicron situation closely," Tweeted Hinshaw. "There are currently no confirmed cases of this COVID-19 variant in Alberta."
Dr. Hinshaw went on to say that provincial health officials are taking precautionary measures.
She says she is working with AHS on a "proactive plan to manage any future travel-related and Omicron cases here in Alberta." Hinshaw then reiterated that the measures are strictly precautionary. "To be clear, there are no confirmed cases in our province."
Alberta is currently reporting 5,017 active COVID-19 cases, and of those 66 cases have been identified in Cochrane and 58 in Rocky View County.
There are currently 455 Albertans in hospital, with 90 in intensive care.
Bow Valley High School, Cochrane Christian Academy, Elizabeth Barrett Elementary, and Manachaban schools have all been placed on AHS' school status map under alert status with 2-4 cases. Fireside School remains listed under an Outbreak status, reporting 10+ cases.
Premier Jason Kenney, Health Minister Jason Copping, and Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw will provide a live update at 3:30 this afternoon.