The COVID-19 stigma has contributed to some patients delaying treatment, which worries an Edmonton doctor who works at the Misericordia Hospital.

Since the pandemic began Albertans who are taking care of loved ones are not only feeling more stress, but they also are not able to provide the same level of care.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw said AHS isn't cancelling appointments but rather removing open appointment slots to match the amount of doses available.

Also on Friday, Dr. Deena Hinshaw issued a directive that will allow doctors, nurses and pharmacists who are not AHS employees to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Next week, AHS staff will move forward with the final set up of the ACC so that it's ready, if we require these beds. We continue to monitor hospital capacity."

Jason Kenney said they will be "quickly deployed" to high-risk residents in long-term care and designated supportive living facilities.

As Alberta rolls out the COVID-19 vaccine, there are some health-care workers concerned that those working in higher risk environments aren't high enough on the priority list.

As stress levels skyrocket among health-care workers, grateful and generous Albertans are proving small gestures can be a big morale boost.

Those attending the rallies are asking Alberta’s provincial government to reinstate pandemic pay and isolation pay and to reverse a decision to cut 11,000 Alberta Health Services jobs.

In a decision issued late Monday, the board ruled the workers' refusal to work amounted to an illegal strike under the province's Labour Relations Code, and they must return to work according to their scheduled shifts.