Hinshaw Ready to Provide Another COVID-19 Update to Albertans Tuesday | The Canadian News

A day after joining the Prime Minister, Minister of Health, and CEO of Alberta Health Services, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer for Health is scheduled to give another COVID-19 update on Tuesday afternoon.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw is scheduled to speak at 2 pm Her address will be broadcast live within this article.

Read more:

COVID-19: Alberta Announces New Steps to Prepare for ‘Likely’ Omicron Arrival

On Monday, Jason Kenney outlined the province’s steps to prepare for the “likely” arrival of Omicron, a worrisome new variant of COVID-19.

The Alberta government said it plans to test all unidentified COVID-19 cases as Delta cases for the Omicron variant and those efforts will prioritize cases involving travelers.

Kenney added that 156 travelers have arrived in Alberta in the past two weeks from countries of concern regarding the new variant and all have been contacted in an effort to quickly address any potential new COVID-19 cases.

The story continues below the ad.

Read more:

Canada finds the first cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Ontario. This is what we know

The government said that anyone returning to Alberta from an international destination testing positive for COVID-19 will be subject to a more extensive case investigation and increased contract tracing efforts. PCR testing will be recommended for close contacts and household contacts.

Kenney, Hinshaw and Health Minister Jason Copping said the most effective way for Albertans to protect themselves and others against the Omicron variant is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Kenney noted that the vaccines have been shown to be effective against different variants, even if the medical community is still learning about Omicron.

Kenney said the Alberta government hopes to hear more about a “significant expansion” of the pool eligible for COVID-19 booster vaccines “soon.”

Currently, a The third dose is available to select groups of Albertans. immunosuppressed individuals, age 70 and older, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Albertans who received their second dose at least six months ago, healthcare workers who received their first two doses at certain times and intervals, some travelers, and people who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen.


Click to play video: 'Alberta Introduces Measures for Omicron Coronavirus Variant Despite No Cases'



Alberta Introduces Measures for Omicron Coronavirus Variant Despite No Cases


Alberta Introduces Measures for Omicron Coronavirus Variant Despite No Cases

Also on Monday, AHS Executive Director Dr. Verna Yiu announced that, under the direction of the government, AHS is temporarily adding a negative COVID-19 test test to its mandatory vaccine policy in some communities where the mandate it would result in a shortage of staff and medical care for Albertans. .

The story continues below the ad.

Yiu said the temporary rapid test option would be available in a “small number of areas where lack of vaccination can affect patient care.”

That means some 260 AHS employees are eligible for the trial option at about 16 workplaces across the province, he added.

Read more:

Alberta conducts rapid tests at health sites where COVID-19 vaccine mandate caused staff shortages

The negative COVID-19 test test program begins on December 13. AHS said the temporary testing directive will be reviewed in late March 2022.

The AHS immunization policy deadline will also be adjusted to December 13.


Click to play video: 'COVID-19: Alberta Health Services President Disappointed by Unvaccinated Staff'



COVID-19: Alberta Health Services President Disappointed by Unvaccinated Staff


COVID-19: Alberta Health Services President Disappointed by Unvaccinated Staff

“It is disappointing that around 3,000 staff members have not provided proof of vaccination or have decided to remain unvaccinated,” Yiu said.

The story continues below the ad.

“We have done everything possible to encourage them. We have reached out to provide evidence-based reasons for receiving the vaccine and have worked hard to answer any questions or concerns that have been raised and have emphasized how valuable the vaccine is in protecting the people in our care.

“Unfortunately, there are a small number of areas where a lack of vaccination can affect patient care and this concerns us all.”

© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.



Reference-globalnews.ca

Leave a Comment