The province has 21,123 active cases, with 716 people being treated in hospitals, including 136 in ICU beds.
Premier Jason Kenney and chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw are scheduled to speak alongside three members of cabinet at Tuesday’s COVID-19 briefing, as Alberta prepares to begin vaccinations later in the afternoon.
German Health Minister Jens Spahn told a news conference that he hoped European Union approval for the vaccine would be in place before Christmas, clearing a path for inoculations before the end of the year. The vaccine, which requires two doses given weeks apart, is the first jab to receive such approval in the U.S.
“Making this announcement is the greatest privilege I’ve had as health minister because it’s the first real ray of light we’ve had in the dark night that our healthcare professionals have lived through for 10 months now”, says Shandro.
“We don’t have to hold back any of that portion for the second dose”, Shandro said.
There will be 3,900 doses going to intensive care doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and care-home workers.
The province also expects to start using the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in early January, pending approval from Health Canada.
