Thread by @CTVCalgary

WATCH LIVE SOON: Copping, Hinshaw to give #COVID19AB update: edmonton.ctvnews.ca/covid-19-in-al…

WATCH LIVE

Copping starts by talking rapid tests, says there have been supply chain issued by 2.5 million were sent to pharmacies and doctor's offices. Also, 633 more pharmacies have joined the program

2 million more rapid tests are being shipped this week and all pharmacies should have stock by next week. Going forward, they will be handed out at pharmacies only, AHS sites being wound down. You can get 1 every 14 days, and pick one up for someone else with their Health Number

Copping says restrictions may be needed in the future if there is a massive spike in cases but it is time to start living with COVID

Copping says the number of cases is down 2/3rds since the peak in January. Says they understand people have different levels of feeling comfortable, ask that we give each other space and consideration to navigate. Understand each other's choices and we are all doing our best.

Today's #COVID19AB update:
New cases: 1,363
Testing: 4,986/29.3%
In hospital: 1,586
In ICU: 126
Sadly, 22 new deaths are being reported

NEW: Hinshaw says as of Feb. 16, fully immunized workers in continuing care can resume working at multiple facilities.

NEW: Third dose bookings open next week for 12-17 yr-olds with underlying health conditions and First Nation, Metis and Inuit.

Q: We delayed the start of school so they could prepare (in Jan) masks are starting to arrive but not necessary anymore, what changed?
A: (Hinshaw) I would defer to Minister Copping to answer that question

Copping says they looked at the measures in place and the impact they had. Also wanted to "let kids be kids."
Notes youth have less severe outcomes.

Q: Will your own children continue to wear a mask in school/
A: (Copping) I do have school-aged children, haven't talked to them about it, will be their choice.

Q: Edmonton will debate its own REP program later, the province says they don't have the data, what data does the province have and why not release it?
A:(Copping) We looked at data ... purpose of REP was to reduce transmission and allow business to operate. CONT

Copping: What we've seem with Omicron was it is more transmissible. Vaccines have assisted in Omicron wave in reducing severity of outcomes. Given that two doses didn't stop transmission, that's why we removed REP. Also because it cause divisiveness in society

Q: For Hinshaw) Edmonton council is asking to see your recommendations to cabinet, were they agreed to and will you release?
A: All my recommendations to cabinet are protected by confidence, wouldn't be my decision to release.

Q: Were the changes announced on Tuesday based on Dr. Hinshaw's recommendations?
A: We take her recommendations seriously, have to look at various factors, economy, mental health ... looked at REP's lack of effectiveness. Copping says they've made changes like this before

Q: How long with Alberta's data dashboard last? (Sask has stopped daily updates)
A: (Hinshaw) I don't know if a decision has been made on timing, not sure about final decision. (Copping) at some point in time, as we move to endemic will make sense to have less reporting.

Q: What is needed to move to Step 2 of the province's plan, what constitutes a "continued decrease"?
A: We don't have a number in mind. Hospitalizations will be key indicator, will look at others like wastewater study. Need to see trendlines continue to go down