The spread of COVID-19 has been ramping up as the Omicron variant makes its way through the province. The impacts can be felt in Strathmore and the surrounding county. 

Fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are being made available to immunocompromised Albertans over 18, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said on Tuesday. 

“With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, we want to provide these Albertans with additional protection against the virus,” she said.  

Eligible immunocompromising conditions include people living with chronic kidney disease receiving regular dialysis, those receiving active cancer treatment or immunosuppressive therapies, and transplant recipients.   

The province reported 1,089 people are in hospital, including 104 in intensive care.  

According to Hinshaw, approximately 51 per cent of new non-ICU hospitalizations are due to COVID-19, and 74 per cent of ICU admissions are because of the virus.  

Strathmore’s active COVID-19 cases are creeping up near 200. Currently, there are 180 cases in the municipality. Wheatland County has a similar count of 133.  

Siksika Nation's risk level moved from a yellow to a red risk level on January 14. The COVID-19 risk level will be reassessed on January 28, 2022 by Siksika Health Services’ CDC team.