COVID-19 Update: 479 new cases, four deaths | Vaccine eligibility expands further | Defiant Alberta pastor to be released from jail

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With news on COVID-19 happening rapidly, we’ve created this page to bring you our latest stories and information on the outbreak in and around Calgary.

What’s happening now

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My COVID Story: How have you been impacted by coronavirus?

Postmedia is looking to speak with people who may have been impacted by COVID-19 here in Alberta.  Have you undergone a travel-related quarantine? Have you received your vaccine, and if so did you feel any side effects? Have you changed your life for the better because of the pandemic? Send us an email at reply@calgaryherald.com to tell us your experience, or send us a message via this form.

Read our ongoing coverage of personal stories arising from the pandemic.

Calgary pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccine

This map shows all 48 Calgary pharmacies that are offering the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments are still necessary and can be booked by contacting the participating pharmacies. Details on eligibility and booking can be found here.

Restaurant gets warning from AHS for breaking COVID-19 regulations

A Calgary restaurant was written up for numerous COVID-19 violations last Saturday.

An inspection by Alberta Health Services at Scarpetta Italian Eatery at 1003 9 Ave. S.E. found multiple dining parties seated less than 2 metres apart, and a lack of barriers between the groups.

Two staff members were wearing plastic mouth shields that were deemed inadequate to contain droplets, according to the report, and several dining tables had cutlery already set out, which is a violation of the current regulations.

The inspector also found a bottle being used as a disinfectant had no cleaning solution in it.

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The owner has been ordered to fix the reported deficiencies and submit a relaunch plan with details of the risk mitigation measures the restaurant will use in the future.

Wednesday

Albertans born in 1952, 1953, 1954 to get vaccine as variant case count grows

Eligibility for COVID-19 immunization will expand further in Alberta Thursday, when three more birth years will be able to register to get the jab.

The news comes as variant case counts continue in grow in the province.

Starting at 8 a.m., those born in 1952, 1953 and 1954, as well as First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born in 1967, 1968 and 1969, will be newly eligible to receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Those born prior to these years are also able to book appointments.

Read more.

Wednesday

479 new cases, four deaths

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw provided an update on the province’s COVID-19 numbers Wednesday afternoon.

• More 397,500 doses of vaccine administered
• Vaccine eligibility expands by three birth years tomorrow at 8 a.m.: all Albertans born 1952-1954 are now eligible, as are First Nations, Inuit or Métis people born 1967-1969
• 479 new cases of COVID-19 on 10,827 tests; 4.7% positivity rate
• 262 in hospital; 44 in ICUs
• Four additional deaths; 1,956 total
• 4,918 active cases; 132,748 recovered
• 50 new variant cases; 11% of active cases variants
• Active alerts or outbreaks in 283 schools; 1,199 cases in these schools

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Watch the full livestream below.

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Wednesday

Inside the first year: How Canadian leaders responded to ‘unprecedented’ COVID-19 pandemic

After a year of living with COVID-19, Postmedia is taking an in-depth look at the significant social, institutional and economic issues the pandemic has brought to light in Canada — and more importantly, how we can finally begin to solve them. You can find our complete coverage here.

COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions have been in place for more than a year in Canada. While the pandemic brought normal life to a halt, it sent the news cycle into overdrive. To keep up with the avalanche of pandemic updates, Canadians tuned into government press conferences, live streams and video updates more than ever before. This a month-by-month video compilation of the major news moments and shocking updates that defined the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.

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Wednesday

AHS orders restaurant to close after serving past 11 p.m.

A Mediterranean restaurant in southwest Calgary has been ordered to temporarily close after being cited for breaking COVID-19 restrictions.

The order was issued on Tuesday after an Alberta Health Services inspector determined that Trio Cafe, 1504 16th Ave. S.W., was operating past 11 p.m. on March 13, “with approximately 15 patrons onsite”.

COVID-19 restrictions enacted Feb. 8 state that restaurants, bars and cafes must stop liquor service by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m. A maximum of six people are allowed at a table, as long as they are from the same household.

AHS will allow the restaurant to re-open after the owner provides details “of all risk mitigation measures” to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, as well as fixing a minor issue with the dishwasher.

Wednesday

Alberta pastor who defied health orders to be released from jail soon

An Edmonton-area pastor accused of violating COVID-19 health restrictions will likely be released from jail this week after prosecutors agreed to withdraw one of three charges against him, his lawyers say.

On Wednesday, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms issued a news release claiming victory in the case of GraceLife Church Pastor James Coates, who has been jailed since mid-February after being charged with breaches of the Public Health Act.

GraceLife was accused of repeatedly holding services without capacity restrictions, social distancing or face coverings in violation of COVID-19 health restrictions.

Read more.