(Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Province announces new steps to combat COVID-19

Oct 5, 2021 | 3:51 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced new steps to combat the fourth wave of COVID-19.

Premier Jason Kenney says, starting at 8:00 am on Wednesday, October 6, any Albertans aged 75 and up can get a third “booster” COVID-19 vaccine, assuming their second shot was at least six months prior.

This also applies to any First Nations, Metis, or Inuit Albertans at least 65 years old.

“We’re doing this because older Albertans remain uniquely at risk and will benefit from more protection,” says Kenney. “They’re still incredibly vulnerable to ending up hospitalized or even passing away from COVID-19, and so it’s so important to provide this additional protection.”

While rules regarding indoor social gatherings will not change, the number of people allowed in outdoor settings is falling from 200 to just 20.

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Schools

The province will be acquiring six million at-home RAPID testing kits for K-6 students.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange says school boards will be encouraged by the government to implement mandatory vaccinations for all adult staff members and visitors.

“I want to be clear, this does not include students. A school authority cannot deny students access to education due to their immunization status, but I do hope that everyone who is eligible gets their vaccination as soon as possible.”

The new COVID measures for schools will be prioritized for communities with COVID-19 outbreaks or in areas with low vaccination rates.

Enhanced COVID-19 reporting will be re-implemented for schools. Starting Wednesday, the government’s website will show all schools with at least two positive cases at one time.

You can learn more about COVID-19 measures in Alberta here.

More details to come.