Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Omicron & Slight Relaxation of Restrictions for Christmas :)

 




December 15, 2021

Protecting Albertans from Omicron

 

Alberta is taking immediate actions and clarifying health measures to protect Albertans and the health-care system against the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus.

Expanding booster doses to more Albertans

Starting December 15, Albertans 50 to 59 and all health-care workers can now book a third dose as long as it's been at least 6 months since their second dose.

Albertans 60+ and other high-risk groups are already eligible. More age groups will be announced as quickly as supply allows.

Third doses are the best way to boost your immunity to improve protection against new variants and limit the spread of COVID-19.

At-home rapid test kits available

Starting December 17, Albertans can pick up one free COVID-19 rapid testing kit per person at select pharmacies in Calgary, Red Deer or Edmonton, or at select Alberta Health Services clinics in other communities, while supplies last. Each kit includes 5 tests and instructions.

Rapid tests can help detect COVID-19 before people know they're infected. Increasing testing at home will identify infections early so people can isolate to help stop the spread.

These tests cannot be used for the Restrictions Exemption Program. Unvaccinated people must pay to obtain proof of negative test result through a private vendor or pharmacy to gain admission.

Social gathering over the holidays

Albertans are asked to observe all public health measures over the holidays to help slow the spread.


Limit indoor private social gatherings to a maximum of 10 people ages 18 and older. There is no limit on those under 18.

Outdoor private social gatherings are limited to 20 people. Physical distancing between households is required.

Continue practicing good habits to protect yourself and those around you: stay home if you are feeling sick, get tested at an AHS assessment centre if you have symptoms, and take a rapid test before gathering with other households.