Chan Remillard News Today

Canadas public health agency (PHAC) has logged a record number of potentially deadly strep A infections across the country, sparking major concerns from Alberta infectious disease experts and pharmacists.

An internal Alberta Health Services document obtained by CTV News indicates that the number of patients hospitalized provincially with COVID-19 has surpassed 900, despite available public data revealing just a third of those numbers.

Alberta has yet to iron out all the wrinkles in its COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The provincial government said it would increase its ordering limit after cancelled appointments last week, but pharmacies say there are still problems.

Health officials are urging Albertans to get their flu shot this year after warnings of a difficult influenza season ahead.

Some Albertans who want to verify if they are positive for COVID-19 are struggling to do that with scarce rapid antigen test kits, and PCR test appointments through Alberta Health Services (AHS) are being booked days away.