At a Glance

Province Further Restricts Access to PCR Testing

On the day Alberta’s K-12 students and school staff returned to the classroom, Dr. Deena Hinshaw shared that the province’s PCR testing resources have been overwhelmed. The Chief Medical Officer of Health indicated that wait times to book a PCR test is nearly four days with an average turn around time for results estimated to be about two days. While a full list can be found online, Dr. Hinshaw explained that eligibility for PCR testing will be limited to those who live or work in long-term care facilities and those who have a clinically high risk of severe outcomes.

“While we have been used to managing COVID through widespread PCR testing, that approach is not possible with the Omicron variant. At this time, most people who have mild symptoms don’t need a PCR test. For those without risk factors such as immunosuppression, they should self-isolate and manage their symptoms at home, using a rapid test if they have one.”

Premier Says Absolutely No Mandatory Vaccinations in Alberta

Canada’s federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos held a media briefing on Friday, January 7 to discuss COVID-19 strategies heading into 2022. Duclos told reporters that while physical distancing, tests, and PPE are important, the only thing that will bring the COVID-19 crisis to an end is vaccinations. Duclos stated that mandatory vaccination is a “conversation” that the provinces and territories will need to have in the upcoming weeks.

Premier Jason Kenney responded within an hour with a resounding declaration that mandatory vaccination requirements will not happen in Alberta. The Premier’s tweet stated, “Alberta’s Legislature removed the power of mandatory vaccination from the Public Health Act last year and will not revisit that decision, period”. Premier Kenney followed up his statement by encouraging all who are eligible to get vaccinated while reiterating that vaccination is a personal choice that individuals must make for themselves.

Alberta reports record-high COVID-19 cases

On January 6, Alberta reported a record 4,869 new COVID-19 cases bringing the provincial number up to 39,897 active cases. Edmonton and Calgary have the highest rates with 14,972 and 19,261 active cases respectively. There are now 498 Albertans in hospitals with COVID-19 and 64 patients in the ICU. These rates are consistent with physician warnings that the Omicron variant is vastly more contagious than previous variants of COVID-19 with a chance of it leading to less severe side effects.

As the rate of infection grows, so does the number of Albertans who have received COVID-19 booster shots. As of January 6, more than one million booster shots had been administered to Albertans. None of the current COVID-19 hospital patients had received their third dose of the vaccine and Dr. Deena Hinshaw urged Albertans in her Thursday news release to get the third dose of the vaccine to protect against infection and to prevent the development of severe outcomes from the Omicron variant.

Back to school season has arrived in Alberta

The Alberta government has announced that Alberta’s K-12 students will return to in-person classes on January 10, 2022. Experts in child development from across the world have continued to stress the importance of in-person learning to the overall health and wellbeing of children. During Minister Adriana LaGrange’s January 5 news conference, she stated that “most children feel more connected, they learn better and generally thrive when they are at school in person. This is why Alberta’s government has placed such a priority on safe in-classroom instruction and on making sure that our schools have the tools that they need”.

Minister LaGrange defended the decision by citing COVID-19 poses a reduced risk for children and that the mental health of children must be considered when making schooling decisions in the province. Dr. Hinshaw has reiterated the importance of teachers and students remaining at home if they experience any symptoms of illness. To support the return to in-person classes, the Alberta Government is providing schools with rapid test kits and medical-grade masks.