Live COVID updates moving to once weekly, changes to vaccine passport begin next week

As the COVID situation in Alberta improves, the province’s top doctor says live updates will be reduced once again.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced on Tuesday the updates will now be held on Tuesday afternoons at 3:30 p.m.

She says Monday to Friday, COVID numbers will be posted online, and on her Twitter account.

WATCH: Dr. Deena Hinshaw provides an update on COVID-19 in Alberta.

Hinshaw also talked about the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) and the changes that are set to come into place on Monday.

“Albertans’ vaccine record now must include the QR code in order to enter any business or venue taking part in the program.

“This means Alberta vaccination records without a QR code, including paper immunization records received at your vaccination appointment, will no longer be accepted.”

She says the exception to this will be First Nations and military vaccination records, which will continue to be accepted.

To download your vaccination record QR code, head to Alberta.ca/covidrecords.

Hinshaw also announced a new drug for COVID-19 patients who have mild to moderate symptoms.

Strovimab is the first treatment to be offered to outpatients in Alberta.

“For maximum effectiveness, it must be administered within five days from when the symptoms begin,” said Hinshaw.

She also reinforced the fact that the new drug is not a replacement for vaccines.

“While this medication is helpful, it does not change the fact that vaccines continue to be our most important tool to protect both ourselves and others.”

The drug is being rolled out across Alberta, starting with patients who are 65 years of age and older who wished to have the treatment offered.