Clearing up misconceptions about vaccine safety and information about the third vaccine dose, or booster, was part of the COVID-19 update with Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta.

She revealed there are 770 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta today. While the numbers are declining, Hinshaw says there are 912 people being treated for COVID in hospitals and 201 in ICUs. She said the trend can reverse quickly if we are not careful.

There have been eight new deaths in the last 24 hours. Locally in Strathmore, there are 29 active cases of COVID-19 and there have been 22 deaths. In Wheatland County, there are 19 active cases.

Unvaccinated people are the majority of individuals who are being seen in hospitals, in ICUs, and who are dying from COVID-19, the Chief Medical Officer of Health said. She once more pushed for everyone to get vaccinated.

In terms of third doses, over 231,000 booster doses have been given to immunocompromised people, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people aged 65 and older and seniors 75 and older.

In an aim to clear up some misconceptions about the vaccine, Hinshaw revealed she will be hosting a telephone town hall next week about vaccines, fertility, and maternal health.

“It’s free for anyone who wants to call in and ask a question about this issue,” said Hinshaw.

She closed the briefing by speaking about the Halloween season and being safe. “Please be wise and safe while celebrating this year,” she said. She encouraged everyone to review the information provided by Alberta Health for Halloween.

She asked those who are sick to stay home and not hand out candy, avoid large gatherings, and try to host gatherings outdoors. For indoor gatherings, she said to limit social gatherings to no more than 10 people from two households for those who are fully immunized. Indoor social gatherings are not permitted for those who are not vaccinated.

She asked individuals to limit physical contact, to wear non-medical masks, and for those who are trick or treating, to only go with those in their households.