Alberta's Health minister wants to reduce stress on health care after COVID-19

Alberta's health minister says the province will remain vigilant despite lifting most restrictions in the province related to COVID-19.

Alberta lifted the last few pandemic restrictions last week including mandatory masking on public transit and isolation for people who test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms.

Health Minister Jason Copping said Alberta is bracing for an increase in colds and flus again in the fall but he says more has to be done to reduce the strain on the health care system, which was already a problem before the pandemic.

Copping says during the pandemic many people stopped going to the doctor and stayed at home, which has put added pressure on the health care system now as they return. Copping said more ICU beds are open and AHS is hiring more staff as quickly as possible.