Beyond Local

EDMONTON — Effective today, people in Alberta with at least two doses of vaccine who test positive for COVID-19 will only need to isolate for five days instead of 10.

'Albertans living outside major urban centres have been at a digital disadvantage because of unreliable broadband.'

This afternoon's scheduled COVID-19 update has been moved to tomorrow.

The agency said Omicron appears to be the first dominant variant to show a decline in severity but warned that, due to its higher transmissibility, "the absolute number of hospitalizations and impact on the health-care system is likely to be significant, despite possible reduced severity."

EI premiums are going up as well once a two-year federal freeze on increases thaws next year. The premiums need to go up to refill the EI fund after it was drained by pandemic-induced demand. The government's fall economic statement projected that the EI account would come back to balance by 2028.

A record-setting 2,775 new cases were reported Wednesday, bringing Alberta's active total to almost 17,400 from 8,359 last Thursday.

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol has life or death consequences and robs families and friends from holiday moments with loved ones, Alberta RCMP posted online.

Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon will host next year's investiture ceremonies for the nominees at Rideau Hall, her official residence in Ottawa, bestowing recipients with the insignia of the order: a white enamel snowflake of six points with a stylized maple leaf at its centre.

After two days of games, players testing positive for COVID-19 had put defending champion United States, Russia, and Czechia into mandatory quarantines.

"We are pleased to have completed this important step, nine years ahead of the government target," said TransAlta president and chief executive John Kousinioris. "Our coal transition is among the most meaningful carbon emissions reduction achievements in Canadian history."