He said the province would run out of supply for first doses by the end of the day or early Tuesday.
"We'll get more vaccine in the coming weeks and some more doses this week, but we need to make adjustments today to accommodate this lack of supply," Kenney said.
"Even with a new shipment of
Pfizer-BioNTech indicated last week that it's cutting back on promised deliveries of its vaccine over the next four weeks as it works to expand production.
Kenney said no new appointments for first doses are being accepted and some appointments already booked will be rescheduled.
He said doses have been saved for those who have appointments for the followup shot
"We believe that we can administer second doses to all those who need them within the recommended time frame."
Kenney said vaccines so far have been given to about 90,000 health-care workers as well as to staff and residents in continuing-care homes in
"Yesterday, we completed the first dose of vaccination at all of
"This is a tremendous milestone and I believe makes
Late Monday, Indigenous Relations Minister
Wilson said the doses were being supplied on an "emergency basis." He also noted First Nations are prioritized in the first phase of the vaccine rollout, so that any First Nation person over the age of 65 is included in the first phase compared to those over the age of 75 in the general population.
“I have spoken to many First Nations chiefs to assure them that we want to distribute the vaccine as quickly as possible," Wilson stated in the release.
"Unfortunately, due to delays caused by the vaccine manufacturer and a lack of supply from the federal government, the rollout to First Nations communities has been delayed."
Dr.
Some COVID-19 restrictions were somewhat relaxed on Monday. Albertans are again allowed to visit hair salons and tattoo parlours, as well as receive wellness services — but only by appointment.
Outdoor social gatherings, which had been banned since early December, are again being allowed in groups of up to 10 people.
The limit on the number of people who can attend funerals has increased to 20, although receptions are still prohibited.
Health Minister
Hinshaw has said that easing rules now will act as a test case, and that COVID-19 case numbers will have to be lower before any other restrictions are loosened.
Measures still in place limit restaurants and bars to takeout or delivery, and allow retail stores and churches to open, but only at 15 per cent capacity. Casinos, gyms, recreation centres, libraries and theatres remain closed.
This report by
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