Hinshaw set to provide another COVID-19 update to Albertans Tuesday

On Monday, Jason Kenney outlined the province's steps to prepare for the "likely" arrival of Omicron, a new COVID-19 variant of concern.

One day after joining the premier, health minister and CEO of Alberta Health Services, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health is scheduled to give another COVID-19 update Tuesday afternoon.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw is set to speak at 2 p.m. Her address will be streamed live within this article.

On Monday, Jason Kenney outlined the province’s steps to prepare for the “likely” arrival of Omicron, a new COVID-19 variant of concern.

The Alberta government said it plans to test all COVID-19 cases not identified as Delta cases for the Omicron variant and those efforts will prioritize cases involving travellers.

Kenney added that 156 travellers have arrived in Alberta in the last two weeks from countries of concern with regard to the new variant and all have been reached out to in an effort to quickly address any potential new COVID-19 cases.

The government said anyone returning to Alberta from an international destination who tests positive for COVID-19 will be subject to a more extensive case investigation and heightened contract tracing efforts. PCR tests will be recommended for close contacts and household contacts.

Kenney, Hinshaw and Health Minister Jason Copping all said the most effective way for Albertans to protect themselves and others against the Omicron variant is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Kenney noted vaccines have proven to be effective against different variants, even if the medical community is still learning about Omicron.

Kenney said the Alberta government hopes to have more news on a “significant expansion” of the group eligible for COVID-19 booster shots “soon.”