Originally, when "A Path Foward" was first announced just after last Christmas, the province was just using the number of hospitalizations and those in intensive care to gauge when to move forward in easing health restrictions.

On Monday (April 12), Premier Jason Kenney added to that. The province will now also use the percentage of vaccinated Albertans to ease restrictions across Alberta.

"The aggressive health measures we implemented last week are to buy us time to get more Albertans vaccinated." says Kenney, "Vaccines remain our best hope. In the coming weeks, we'll be able to say that almost a quarter of Albertans have some degree of immunity from either the vaccine or prior infection."

According to Kenney, nearly half of all Albertans, about 48%, will have some level of protection from COVID-19 by the end of May. He goes on to say that by the end of June that number will rise to 64%. Then, by the end of September, 72%.

Here is the "Path To Recovery" plan based on vaccinated Albertans:

Transition - around 22% immune - currently in place:

  • Easing only possible if "A Path Forward" metrics are met
  • Limits on gatherings
  • Strong health measures in place

Stage 1 - around 48% immune - estimated by the end of May:

  • Higher capacity limits
  • Larger gatherings allowed
  • Some business rules remain
  • Masking and distancing rules remain
  • Isolation rules remain

Stage 2 - around 64% immune - estimated by the end of June:

  • No restrictions
  • Fairs and festivals can proceed
  • Masking and distancing encouraged
  • Isolation rules remain

Stage 3 - around 72% immune - estimated by the end of September

  • Full recovery
  • K-12 school measures depend on vaccine
  • No masking
  • No isolation

Along with this new plan, Kenney announced some positive changes to the current vaccination rollout.

"Today, we're opening huge rapid-flowthrough clinics in Calgary and Edmonton. Both clinics will be each able to administer up to 1,000 doses per hour; 6,000 per day."

Starting on Monday afternoon both the Edmonton and Calgary clinic began inoculating people between the ages of 55 and 64 with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"In addition to this, Alberta now has more than 1,300 and 103 immunization sites administering the vaccine with more coming on board in the coming weeks." says Kenney, "The province is now on pace to administer more than 300,000 vaccines doses a week. Our goal is to administer upwards of 500,000 doses a week, but it all depends on how many people come forward to become vaccinated."

To book a vaccination and see the eligibility list, CLICK HERE.