By Canadian Press

Province following chief medical officer of health’s advice on removing rules, limiting testing: Shandro

Jul 30, 2021 | 9:35 AM

Alberta’s health minister says the province’s top doctor made the call end isolation requirements for people who test positive for COVID-19, as well as their close contacts.

Tyler Shandro says chief medical health officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw brought the plan to the government, and it agreed with her reasoning.

He says the government wanted to respect the independence of her position, even though Hinshaw has said multiple times that final decisions on the COVID response lies with the province.

Starting today, close contacts are no longer required to isolate and they won’t be notified of a potential exposure by contact tracers.

On Aug. 16 the legal obligation for infected individuals to isolate will also end – though it is still recommended.

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Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi has called the move insanity.

NDP Leader Rachel Notley says the United Conservatives need to change course and ensure necessary resources remain to combat COVID-19 cases, which are currently rising in Alberta.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2021.

The Canadian Press