The next step of the province's Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) is starting.

When the program was first announced, only one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was acceptable. Now, as of Monday (Oct.25), anyone 12 and older accessing a business, venue or service participating in the program will need to provide government-issued proof of having received two doses of the vaccine at least 14 days earlier.

Those who are not fully vaccinated can still choose to provide a privately paid negative COVID-19 test from within the previous 72 hours or valid proof of medical exemption. Anyone with a medical exemption will need to provide documentation.

"Getting vaccinated is the best protection we have against COVID-19, and I thank every Albertan who has made the decision to get immunized. With the Delta variant, the second dose is even more important, so by getting both doses, you are increasing your protection and helping make your community safe," said Alberta's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

According to the provincial government, receiving two doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine offers 90 to 91 per cent protection against COVID-19.

Information provided by Hannah Stolz/FortSaskOnline