Premier Jason Kenney, photographed during a press conference on June 9, 2021 (Photo: Chris Schwarz / Government of Alberta)

By The Canadian Press

COVID

COVID-19 vaccinations jump since passport announcement

Sep 18, 2021 | 12:21 PM

CALGARY, AB. — Premier Jason Kenney says COVID-19 vaccine bookings have nearly tripled in the province since he announced a passport system.

Kenney says in a Facebook live video that nearly 25,000 vaccine appointments were recorded by last evening a jump of about 166 per cent from two days prior.

The province’s proof of vaccination system, also referred to as the “restrictions exemption program,” allows businesses and venues to operate without capacity limits and other measures if they require proof of vaccination or a negative test result before entry.

The program starts Monday and it is not mandatory.

Kenney previously opposed a vaccine passport primarily due to privacy concerns, but says it is a necessary measure to protect Alberta’s overwhelmed health-care system.

Almost 80 per cent of eligible Albertans have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with almost 72 per cent fully immunized with two doses.