COVID-19 Weekly Regional Update
Michelle Pinon
News Advertiser
The COVID-19 vaccine is considered the light at the end of the tunnel and health care professionals began receiving it on December 14. However, it could be several months before it is widely available to Albertans. That is why government officials are people are being reminded not let down their guard and continue practicing all of the health measures and following all of the restrictions that have been put in place.
- The vaccine will be distributed through a phased immunization program and the exact amounts and timelines are still being finalized at this point in time. Phase 1 (Jan to April 2021) – vaccinate about 435,000 people most at risk, including:
- front-line health care workers
- residents and staff in long-term care and designated supported living facilities
- on-reserve First Nations individuals over age 65
- seniors aged 75 and older
- Phase 2 (April to Sept 2021) – continue targeting priority populations
- Phase 3 (Fall 2021) – anticipated start of roll-out to the general public
There were 83,327 total cases of COVID-19 reported in Alberta on December 14 with 1,341 cases reported on that day alone. The number of active cases was 20,649 with the number of recovered cases was 61,934. There have been 744 deaths and 742 people are in hospital and 137 in intensive care.
There were 366 cases, 77 active cases, 288 recovered cases, and 0 deaths in Smoky Lake County. There were 93 cases, 42 active cases, 50 recovered cases, and 1 death in Two Hills County. There were 51 cases, 17 active cases, 34 recovered cases, and 0 in Lamont County. There were 73 cases, 28 active cases, 43 recovered cases, and 2 deaths in Veg/Minburn County. There were 61 cases, 12 active cases, 48 recovered cases, and 1 death in Tofield (Beaver County West). There were 83 cases, 6 active cases, 77 recovered cases, and 0 deaths in Viking (Beaver County East).