Alberta's COVID-19 plan could have ripple effects across Canada: doctors

Calgary–Canada's top doctors say Alberta's decision to end isolation requirements for those who test positive for COVID-19, or who have been in close contact with someone who has, could have ripple effects across the country.

Chief public health officer Theresa Tam is urging people to continue isolating, get tested for COVID-19 and inform their close contacts even if it is no longer mandated.

Alberta's case levels have been rising and the Delta variant is now dominant.

Vaccination rates have also begun to lag with around 75% of eligible Albertans getting at least one dose of vaccine and 64% fully immunized.

Tam says Alberta still has a long way to go to get enough people vaccinated to keep everyone safe.

Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada's deputy chief public health officer, adds that if Alberta sees more infections among its unvaccinated populations that could spread throughout Canada as people travel.

The Canadian Paediatric Society has also written an open letter to Alberta's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, urging her to reconsider lifting isolation and testing requirements

The society says the plan could jeopardize the province's recovery and enhance viral spread.