Healthcare facilities across Alberta are facing a surge in respiratory illnesses which will put a pause on the annual tradition of announcing New Year's Babies. (Photo: Inarik | Dreamstime.com)

By Sarah Jones/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta won’t be announcing New Year’s babies for third year

Dec 31, 2022 | 8:00 AM

CALGARY – According to Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Covenant Health, the province’s New Year’s babies won’t be announced or identified for the third year in a row.

Back in 2020, both agencies stated they were faced with ongoing challenges brought on by COVID-19 and had hoped to resume the baby reveal the following year.

Now heading into 2023, healthcare facilities across Alberta are facing a surge in respiratory illnesses, which will once again put a pause on the annual tradition.

While the public health agencies say they understand the excitement behind the announcements, they admit in a release it is simply not possible to invite media into any Albertan facilities at this time.

It was also noted that labour and delivery teams are extremely busy and priority must be given to patient care.

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AHS said in a release, “We congratulate families on their new additions and welcome these brand-new Albertans to the world.”

Meanwhile in the province over, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) will be taking bets on where the first B.C. baby will be born in 2023.

The special betting on PlayNow Sports allows B.C. residents to place money on one of the many hospitals in the province ahead of December 31, 2022.