In the COVID-19 update for Tuesday, February 23 Dr. Deena Hinshaw provided the latest numbers.

  • There were 267 news cases in the past 24 hours with over 6,300 tests performed for a positivity rate of 4.4%.
  • There active alerts in 231 or about 10% of the schools in the province.
  • There are 326 people in the hospital with 51 in ICU.
  • Eleven more deaths were reported bringing the total in the province to 1,853.
  • Twelve more cases of the UK variant have been identified in the past 24 hours bringing that total to 294.
  • To date, 180,000 vaccines have been administered with 73,000 Albertans fully immunized with two doses. 
  • Cochrane is now sitting at ten active cases while Rocky View County has 16 cases. 
  • Nakoda Emergency Management is reporting one new case since Friday, one recovery, and 22 active cases. 

With the next phase of vaccinations starting, Albertans who were born in 1946 or before will be eligible to book a vaccine appointment starting tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. Dr. Hinshaw addressed numerous questions on the subject. 

  • If you are 74, turning 75 this year, you are eligible for the vaccine.
  • If you are 75 or older living in a licensed supportive living facility you do not need to make an appointment. AHS will be calling the facility. 
  • Starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, February 23 seniors 75 and older who live independently in the community can book an appointment through the AHS booking tool or by calling Health Link at 811.
  • You will be able to select available appointments at one of 58 sites across the province. 
  • Appointments will be available seven days a week from 8:20 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
  • As more doses of vaccine arrive, hours will be extended.
  • Yes, family members can book appointments for parents or loved ones.

Dr. Hinshaw says that complete details will also be available on the AHS website starting tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. She stressed the importance of patience several times as there are more than 230,000 seniors 75 and over eligible for the vaccine, along with those in phase 1A. It is a big undertaking and it will take time and patience. 

"It will take time to immunize all our eligible seniors, and there will likely be a few hiccups along the way as we continue expanding. But healthcare teams across Alberta will be working very hard to make sure that each eligible senior get immunized as soon as possible." 

Go to vaccine appointments here.