Omicron now dominant strain in Alberta, capacity limits reintroduced

As the COVID situation in Alberta continues to worsen, the province is taking the steps it can to combat rising infections.

On Friday, the province had identified 173 total cases of the Omicron variant. On Tuesday, that number had risen to 1,609.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw said on Tuesday afternoon the variant is now the dominant strain in Alberta.

WATCH: Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is joined by Health Minister Jason Copping and Dr. Deena Hinshaw for a live COVID-19 update

“There is increasing community transmission in the province,” said Hinshaw. “This means that if someone tests positive for COVID-19, they should assume that they have the Omicron variant given the rapidly increasing volumes of Omicron cases.”

Hinshaw says this variant is spreading faster and farther than any variant seen to date.

“In the next few weeks, we will see transmission go to heights we have never seen before.

“The bottom line though is that we are facing a significant and unknown threat.”

Meanwhile, active infections of COVID-19 remained on the rise in Tuesday’s update. There are now 6,045 active cases of the virus in the province.

Alberta identified 786 new cases on Tuesday after more than 7,300 tests were completed for a positivity rate of around 10.8 per cent. That’s the highest positivity rate seen in Alberta in several weeks.

NEW:

– 786 new COVID cases in Alberta on 7305 tests (10.8%+)
– 2 new COVID deaths
– 329 in hospital (+5), incl 69 in ICU (-1)
– 6045 active cases (+393)#yeg #Yyc #ableg #covid19ab pic.twitter.com/d4bf435X19

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) December 21, 2021

While active infections increase in Alberta, severe outcomes from the virus have held rather steady over the last several days.

There are now 329 people in hospital, 69 of which are in the ICU.

Alberta Health reporting on Tuesday that two more people have died from COVID-19 in Alberta.

Rapid tests coming for January

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says he is well aware of the demand for rapid testing kits in Alberta and that was seen last week when the tests became available.

“We know that there is more demand than supply at this moment,” he said. “But I can assure Albertans that we’re doing everything we can to get more kits into people’s hands as quickly as possible.”

READ MORE:

Albertans snatch up nearly half of rapid test kits since Friday

He adds that Alberta continues to push the federal government to approve more rapid testing options so kits are easier to obtain.

Kenney says the province has purchased 10 million rapid tests which he hopes would be made available by January.

Booster shots now availble for Albertans 18+

Earlier on Tuesday, the province announced booster shots would be made available to all adults in Alberta.

The only requirement being you had to have gotten your second COVID vaccine dose at least five months prior.

“Getting a booster dose is the single most important thing that you can do,” said Kenney.

“So, if it’s been at least five months since your last dose, book your booster right now. While we were originally aiming for the six month interval to provide longer term protection, we are making the strategic decision to move up these doses to protect Albertans urgently given the rapid spread of Omicron.”

Kenney says the province will be working with comunity groups and large employers province-wide to ensure booster doses are as convenient to get as possible.

You can book your appintment for a booster shot here.

Alberta reintroducing capacity limits

Alberta is bringing in stricter COVID-19 restrictions, including a capacity limit for the world junior hockey tournament.

Premier Jason Kenney says large venues that seat more than 1,000 people, including sports arenas, will be capped at half capacity.

BREAKING:

World Junior tournament will be capped at 50% attendance.

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) December 21, 2021

Eating and drinking while seated in the venues will be banned.

He says restaurants will be limited to 10 people per table. Last call in Bars will be 11 p.m. and they need to be closed by midnight.

– With files from the Canadian Press