Alberta Introduces New COVID-19 Measures, Offers $100 Incentive to Increase Vaccine Numbers

Information reaching us has confirmed that the province of Alberta, in Canada has introduced new COVID-19 measures, offers a $100 incentive to increase vaccine numbers in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and get more eligible Albertans vaccinated against the virus,

The province introduced new measures and an incentive to anyone who goes out and gets their first or second dose of the vaccine.

Premier Jason Kenney and Health Minister Tyler Shandro made the announcements Friday morning.

The incentive program will be available to anyone 18 or older and is in effect until Oct. 14, says Shandro.

He said COVID-19 is surging once again in Alberta, primarily among unvaccinated: Kenney

Starting Sept. 13, Albertans can enrol online to get a pre-filled debit card with $100 on it at the government’s vaccine website.

“Everyone who registers and has their vaccines confirmed will receive one of these pre-filled cards,” Shandro said.

To date, 70.2 per cent of Albertans age 12 and older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, meaning they’ve received two doses, while 78.3 per cent of eligible Albertans had received at least one dose.

“The Delta variant is ripping its way through this group at an aggressive rate,” Kenney said of the unvaccinated.

“Because of the large group of people who have no vaccine protection, we have seen the Delta variant spread widely and cause severe outcomes at much greater rates in unvaccinated adults.”

Since July 1, data has shown those between the ages of 20 and 59 who are not vaccinated have had a 50 to 60 times higher risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19, compared to those who are fully vaccinated.

According to Kenney, more than 80 per cent of all COVID-19 hospitalizations have been unvaccinated people since Aug. 1.

Masks or face coverings are once again mandatory in all indoor public spaces in Edmonton says Kim Smith who spoke with city councillor Andrew Knack about the decision to bring back some COVID-19 restrictions.

He said masks will be mandatory in all indoor spaces in Edmonton from this Friday until further notice.