Alberta reports 331 new COVID-19 cases as younger seniors offered vaccine

Alberta discovered 331 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced Thursday.

Another 33 variant cases were also discovered, she said.

There were nine new deaths reported to Alberta Health Services since the last COVID-19 update Wednesday, bringing the province’s death toll to 1,911.

Right now there are 245 Albertans in hospital with COVID-19, including 47 in intensive care.

Officials say about 90,000 Albertans have now been fully immunized with two doses of vaccine. The province is administering around 11,000 shots per day.

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The province also announced it’s expanding vaccine availability to adults over 50 later this month.

Seniors aged 65 to 74 will be eligible for the Moderna or Pfizer jab starting March 15, and adults over 50 can book an appointment for the AstraZeneca vaccine starting March 10.

They also have the option to wait until they’re eligible for the Moderna or Pfizer shot later this spring.