Open for Christmas? Alberta Premier teases easing of measures for holidays
Posted Dec 10, 2021 1:24 pm.
Last Updated Dec 13, 2021 11:49 am.
An easing of COVID restrictions could be coming just in time for the holidays.
During a news conference on Friday, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney teased the possible relaxation of public health rules.
It comes as the state of public health emergency for Alberta is set to come to an end.
"That's why we think it is the right time for us to potentially move forward with some common sense relaxation of measures for Christmas holidays."
Premier Kenney says if trends continue, we can expect an easing of some measures to be announced next Tuesday. #yeg #yyc #ableg
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) December 10, 2021
Kenney says he expects the province to reach a goal of no more than 173 ICU beds in use by next Tuesday.
“That’s why we think it is the right time for us to potentially move forward with some modest, common sense relaxation of measures for Christmas holidays,” he said.
Kenney says he personally has plans to gather with three family members from three households which wouldn’t be allowed under current public health protocols.
He adds that the province would have to be very careful with how it approaches the easing of measures as the new Omicron variant makes its way into the province.
As of Thursday afternoon, Alberta had 4,094 active COVID infections. There are currently 368 people in hospital, 70 of which are in the ICU.
Roll-out of rapid test kits for the general public
Kenney also says he is expecting to announce a roll-out of rapid test kits for the general public early next week.
This would mean the tests would be available to anyone who would like them.
Kenney says that they do worry that after next week's announcement that there will be concerns about having enough rapid test supply, which is why they want the feds to accelerate the approval of easy to use rapid tests.
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) December 10, 2021
“Although that will be dependent on how much supply we have because we have limited supply, it likely will be inadequate for the demand we expect,” Kenney explained.
He also called on the federal government to approve more rapid test kits for use. He points out that there are only a few approved in Canada, while Europe has hundreds available.
