Necessary steps to protect the health-care system
Increasing hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions among unvaccinated Albertans continue to challenge the health-care system that all Albertans rely on. Currently, about 90 per cent of COVID-19 patients in intensive care are unvaccinated.
Effective immediately, the Canadian Armed Forces will deploy up to 10 ICU-trained staff and the Canadian Red Cross will deploy 20 ICU-trained staff with various levels of training to reduce the burden on acute care workers across the province. These teams will arrive in Alberta as soon as possible.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will send a team of five to six ICU-trained staff with further details to be announced.
Alberta’s government will continue taking difficult but necessary steps to ensure as many Albertans as possible can continue to receive treatment in province for urgent health needs.
“We will do whatever it takes to protect Albertans and the health-care system. The steps taken today will help increase our capacity and keep delivering care provincewide, and every bit helps. Alberta has been there for other provinces throughout COVID-19 and we are grateful for any assistance now.”Jason Kenney, Premier
“We will protect Albertans and ensure we can support those who need care, in province, as we face this fourth wave. We will continue to prepare for all scenarios but we ask all Albertans to help. If you’re not vaccinated, please reach out to a health-care professional to educate yourself and make the right decision. We are grateful for the support offered by the federal government and other provinces.”Jason Copping, Minister of Health
Additional support
As part of contingency planning, the Canadian Armed Forces will prepare to provide medical transport – this will augment Alberta’s existing capabilities. If Alberta needs to transfer its own patients out of province, Canadian Armed Forces will be ready to support within 48 hours.
Alberta’s government will keep Albertans informed if any additional offers of assistance are accepted.
Get vaccinated
The best way that Albertans can protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19 is by getting fully vaccinated.
Bookings for first and second doses are widely available across the province. Albertans can book appointments by visiting alberta.ca/vaccine. First- and second-dose walk-in clinics are available at multiple locations.