Premier Jason Kenney

By Jeff Henson

OMICRON

Province announces new measures against Omicron COVID variant

Dec 15, 2021 | 10:53 AM

As the number of cases of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to grow across the country, the province made a slew of announcements to help control the situation.

EXPANDED RAPID TESTING

The provincial government has announced an expansion of its rapid test program.

Premier Jason Kenney says beginning Friday, rapid COVID-19 test kits will be available for free through Alberta Health Services facilities.

“Each rapid test kit will include five rapid tests and detailed instructions on how and when to use them. More than half a million kits will be available for at-home use, on a first-come, first-serve basis,” he explained.

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“Albertans will be able to pick up a box for themselves, and one box for those who are in the same household, but can not pick up for themselves, provided, they have each individual’s health care number.”

Kenney adds the kits are for those that are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

“If you do have COVID symptoms, or if you receive a positive result on a rapid test, you should immediately isolate, and do a PCR test at an Alberta Health Services assessment centre,” he stated.

“We are also making rapid test kits available to any K-6 school that is on alert status.”

EXPANDED VACCINE BOOSTERS

The province also announced that more Albertans are now eligible to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Starting December 15th, Albertans aged 50 and older can book appointments to receive their booster shot, as long as it has been at least six months since they received their second dose.

Health minister Jason Copping adds all health care workers in the province can now also receive their third dose of the vaccine.

“The last 20 months have highlighted the incredibly vital role that our health care professionals play in pandemic response and in caring for Albertans who need medical treatment,” Copping explained.

“I am pleased that we are able to open up third doses to them, to help prevent them from becoming severely ill, or from transmitting COVID-19, and this new Omicron variant to patients.”

PRIVATE GATHERING LIMITS

The province has also modified its rules on private gathering limits.

Rather than having 10 people at a private gathering from two different households, you can now have 10 people from as many households as you would like.

The rule does not apply to those under the age of 18. Those unvaccinated are also now able to attend these private gatherings.

RELIEVING STRAIN ON HEALTH-CARE SYSTEM

Alberta Health is working with AHS on plans to restore intensive care unit surge capacity if Omicron starts to put pressure on the province’s health-care system. Alberta Health is reviewing policies for health-care worker exposure, infection prevention and control, and visitors to acute/continuing care sites.

With files from Lethbridge News Now