COVID-19

New public health orders are less than two days old in our province, but already people are questioning when the further loosening of restrictions will occur. That is because provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta are starting to lift vaccine passport rules, while Quebec has outlined a detailed plan for reopening.

Saskatchewan and Alberta have announced their intentions to get rid of vaccination passports, mandatory masks and nearly all other COVID-19 rules in the coming weeks.

New public health orders are less than two days old in our province, but already people are questioning when the further loosening of restrictions will occur. That is because provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta are starting to lift vaccine passport rules, while Quebec has outlined a detailed plan for reopening.

Saskatchewan and Alberta have announced their intentions to get rid of vaccination passports, mandatory masks and nearly all other COVID-19 rules in the coming weeks.

Public health officials are announcing 14 new deaths since Monday of people with COVID-19. The death toll includes:

Manitoba continues to report on the recorded number of COVID-19 cases. However, it is important to note this data is limited and should be used with caution. It includes cases confirmed by a PCR test as well as rapid tests given by health care professionals. Positive test results from rapid antigen tests, which people generally do at home, are not collected or reported. As a result, these numbers are an under-reporting of COVID-19 in the community.

Public health officials advise 14 new deaths in people with COVID-19 are being reported today:

There are some adjustments to area facilities in light of the new COVID-19 rules. 

On Tuesday (Feb.8), the provincial government announced as of 11:59 p.m., some public health restrictions, including the Restrictions Exemption Program, would end in Alberta.  

The City of Fort Saskatchewan announced its intent to follow the new guidelines and will no longer require proof of vaccine or a negative test at public facilities. 

In response to the Province’s lifting of the Restriction Exemptions Program, all City facilities will no longer require proof-of-vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, effective today.

Other public health measures, such as indoor masking and capacity limits at large entertainment venues, remain in place as per the Province of Alberta.

Rocky View Schools (RVS) is adjusting its operational plan to align with the relaxed measures announced by the province yesterday.

A letter from RVS Board Chair, Fiona Gilbert and Superintendent of Schools, Greg Luterbach states that RVS' approach continues to reflect provincial recommendations. 

Effective Monday, February 14, 2022, face mask usage will be optional for all RVS students when in school or on the school bus. All adults, however, must continue to wear a mask when in any RVS facility.

The group behind the protest against COVID-19 public health measures at the Manitoba legislature says it wants to meet with Premier Heather Stefanson in a letter sent to her office Tuesday.

Leadership from the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is once again encouraging those who haven’t already to get vaccinated as this will be the last week for large-scale clinics.

“We have walk-in clinics happening this week in Kenora, Fort Frances, and Red Lake. Information on the specific locations and times of the clinics can be found on our website. Anyone eligible for a first, second, or booster dose can attend our walk-in clinics,” Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health for the NWHU.

Albertans now have a timeline for when public health restrictions will end. 

Premier Jason Kenney began Tuesday's (Feb. 8) update by saying the COVID cabinet has approved new measures to "move along from a pandemic and get life back to normal."

"The last two years have taken a significant toll on Albertans' overall health, social and economic well-being," Kenney said.