Alberta has surpassed the half a million mark in COVID vaccinations.

Dr. Hinshaw says it's time to re-double our efforts to stop the spread of the virus.

"With Step 3 delayed and cases rising I know many Albertans are wondering where this increased spread is coming from," she says. "I was asked on Monday if there is one particular element driving it. Unfortunately, there is no one single sector or activity that is driving the recent increase. We have seen indoor social gatherings, outbreaks and people working while symptomatic, all play a role along with many other factors."

She says from a public health role it would be much easier if the increase was coming from one area that could be addressed.

Dr. Hinshaw says the growth is coming from the little moments in many different settings when we get together with others and give the virus a chance to transmit.

She pointed out that getting together outdoors is better than indoors but we still need to wear masks and keep six feet between us.

Anyone who has an appointment for a vaccination is urged to get it, in fact, if the appointment is too far down the road Dr. Hinshaw suggests looking for an appointment that may come up sooner.

That will give AHS a better handle on how many people in the 2A group are left to be vaccinated, how much vaccine is left and when they can set a date for people in 2B, those with chronic underlying conditions, to get vaccinated.