Dr. Deena Hinshaw

By Connor Gunn

Alberta pausing timeline for COVID transition, continuing testing

Aug 13, 2021 | 10:34 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The province along with Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be pausing their next step of the COVID-19 reopening plan due to a spike in cases.

After closely monitoring COVID-19 in Alberta for the previous two weeks and reviewing emerging evidence from other jurisdictions, the following will continue until Sept.27:

• Mandatory masking orders in publicly accessible transit, taxis, and ride-shares.
• Mandatory isolation for 10 days for those with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result.
• Testing at assessment centres for any symptomatic individual.

The province says with the discovery of recent evidence from the U.K. and U.S., data shows a wide range of acute care impacts at similar level of vaccination to Alberta’s.

“The uncertainty and potential for larger impacts warrants further caution, although a peak in admissions that would disrupt the health system at provincial level remains extremely unlikely,” the release reads.

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Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health, says this time to see how the trend will go is needed.

“Through the pandemic, we have monitored the situation closely and adapted our response as necessary. Reviewing data from Alberta and across the globe in the past few weeks has led me to a point where I feel that a pause on the next changes is the best way forward. I deeply care about and am committed to, the overall health of all in Alberta. This is why I base my decisions on science and my professional assessment of an ever-changing situation.”

In addition, the province announced new health guidance that will ensure students’ safety and help school officials prepare for the new school year.

A back-to-school tool kit provides information for parents and school staff on what to expect when students head to their classrooms.

Consistent with the extended timelines for easing COVID-19 measures, students and school staff should screen daily for symptoms using the Alberta Health Daily Checklist and must isolate if they test positive or have the core COVID-19 symptoms.

A detailed 2021-22 School Year Plan contains two contingency scenarios for continuing student learning if there is a significant change in the COVID-19 situation in the fall.

The province has outlined its plan for vaccinations in schools.:

“To increase accessibility to COVID-19 vaccines, immunizations will be available through temporary clinics in schools for students in grades 7 to 12 as well as teachers and staff. Starting on September 7 students, teachers and staff can receive whichever dose they are eligible for in school.

Parent or guardian consent for students will be required through consent forms.

Students in grades 7 to 12 do not need to wait for an in-school clinic to be vaccinated. Bookings for first and second doses are available provincewide. Albertans can book appointments through AHS online, by calling 811 or through participating pharmacies. First-dose walk-in clinics are available at multiple locations.”

More information on vaccines, COVID-19, and the province’s back-to-school plan can be found at alberta.ca.

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