Coronavirus (COVID-19) Local News

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines each require two shots weeks apart to be effective.

The province has secured a second set of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, with 25,350 doses coming next week,

EDMONTON — Alberta, seeking to heal with hard-edged humour, has launched a COVID-19 advertising campaign starring a fashion-challenged, hard-partying, virus-headed Freddy Kruegeresque super-spreader.

CALGARY — The number of positive COVID-19 tests in a pilot project for international travellers at the Calgary airport and a United States border crossing in southern Alberta has been reasonably low after its first six weeks.

"We know these restrictions will be difficult, especially during the holiday season, but they are needed to stop spread of the virus and to keep patients safe."

EDMONTON — Alberta is to start distributing the COVID-19 vaccine next week to front-line health workers and caregivers. Health Minister Tyler Shandro says the first round of the vaccine will be administered on Dec. 16.

Health Canada says the side effects from Pfizer's clinical trials were found to be "mild or moderate" and included things like pain at the site of injection, body chills and feeling tired and feverish.

“Many restaurants and similar operations have told us because they cannot pay their own bills right now, that this will allow them to fully access the federal supports and provincial supports as we get through the difficult following weeks."

The new restrictions include a ban on indoor and outdoor gatherings, which take effect immediately, along with the province-wide mandatory mask bylaw.

“It’s currently looking like the measures that were put in place two weeks ago are unlikely to be sufficient to bend the curve downward, which is what we have to do if we are going to protect our acute care system,” Hinshaw said.