If it's been five months since your second COVID-19 vaccine and you are 18 and older – you are eligible for a booster shot, beginning today.
Premier Jason Kenney announced the expanded booster roll-out on his Twitter account Tuesday morning.
Ahead of the scheduled announcement, appointments for individuals fitting the new criteria were available for as soon as today. Slots were open for booking at the AHS Testing Site in Okotoks, as well as seven pharmacies as of noon.
To book an appointment, visit bookvaccine.alberta.ca
UPDATE: 4:00 p.m.
A formal announcement with Kenney, Health Minister Jason Copping, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw provided further information on changes impacting Albertans ahead of the holidays.
This announcement comes as overall cases in the province surge and the new Omicron variant becomes the dominant strain of infection. During the press conference, Hinshaw said that projected numbers of cases for the coming weeks will be numbers "we haven't seen before."
"I believe that this situation is so serious that my family has cancelled our holiday plans," she said.
Beginning Fri. Dec. 24 at 12:01 a.m. all businesses participating in the province's Restriction Exemption Program (REP) will have to make adjustments to their operations.
Businesses with a fire code capacity of more than 1,000 people will be forced to operate at 50 per cent capacity. Those with a capacity between 500 and 1,000 will have to operate with a maximum capacity of 500 people.
The province has indicated that this will impact large events including NHL games and the World Juniors hockey tournament, which is set to begin on Boxing Day in Red Deer and Edmonton.
No food and drinks will be permitted at large events, in a bid for patrons to keep their masks on for the duration of their attendance.
Restaurants and bars will also be limited to 10 people per table. Activities like dancing and billiards will not be permitted. Additionally, liquor sales must end by 11 p.m. and venues must close to patrons at 12: 30 a.m.
