Health Minister Jason Copping during the news conference on Thursday, February 10 2022. (Government of Alberta)

By Cathy Gibson

Alberta defends its decision to ease COVID-19 protocols

Feb 11, 2022 | 11:45 AM

Lethbridge, AB – Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping defended the government’s position on easing restrictions across the province during a news conference Thursday, February 10, 2022.

The Restrictions Exemption Program has been scrapped, and starting Monday, mask mandates will be lifted at all Alberta schools.

Earlier this week, the Alberta Teachers Association voiced frustration over the lack of consultation with school boards across the province, but Copping defended the government’s decision.

“Right now, it’s time to move forward. The evidence supports it, and it supports the decisions we’ve made throughout the Omicron wave.”

That evidence was questioned during the news conference. When Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw was asked whether her recommendations were followed, or if they could be released publicly, she offered this reply:

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“All of the recommendations that I make to committees of cabinet are protected under cabinet confidence, and it’s not something that I have discretion about. So, I’m not able to break the oath that I swore for cabinet confidence with respect to releasing my recommendations. It wouldn’t be a decision of mine.”

Regarding schools, Dr. Hinshaw said the number of schools forced to switch to online learning has declined.

“As of February 10, Alberta Education has advised only four of the more than 2500 schools in Alberta are currently shifted to temporary at-home learning to address operational challenges. It is encouraging to see a continued declining trend. Less than a quarter of 1% of schools are now on temporary at-home learning.”

Read more about reaction to the government’s decisions regarding schools.

See what other announcements the province made during Thursday’s news conference.