Alberta Relaunch – Coming Soon?

The Alberta government is supposedly moving to “Stage 1” on its “relaunch” effort in just a few days. Some businesses will be allowed to open. 

The following information comes from the Alberta government website.

STAGE 1 (as early as May 14)

 

Stage 1 allows some businesses and facilities to resume full operations as early as May 14 with enhanced infection prevention and controls in place. See: Guidance for reopening

Mask use will be strongly recommended in crowded public spaces, like mass transit, that do not allow for physical distancing of 2 metres apart.

Lifted restrictions

• Some retail businesses like clothing, furniture and book stores.
• All farmers’ market vendors.
• Some personal services like hairstyling and barber shops.
• More scheduled surgeries and dental procedures.
• Cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can reopen for public seating at 50% capacity, but people will not be able to go to the bar to order drinks, they will need to be served at the table.
• Museums and art galleries.
• Some additional outdoor recreation.
• Daycares and out-of-school care, with occupancy limits.
• Summer camps, with occupancy limits (this could include summer school).
• Post-secondary institutions will continue course delivery, but method (online, in-person or blend) will depend on the restrictions in place at each phase.

Continuing restrictions

• Gatherings of more than 15 people will not permitted.
• Gatherings of 15 people or fewer must follow physical distancing and other public health guidelines.
• Public attendance at businesses, facilities and events that have close physical contact will not be permitted, including: arts and culture festivals, major sporting events and concerts.
• Movie theatres, pools, recreation centres, arenas, spas, nightclubs and gyms will remain closed.
• Visiting patients in health care facilities will remain limited.
• In-school classes for kindergarten to Grade 12 students will remain prohibited.

Recommendations

• Non-essential travel, especially outside the province, will continue to not be recommended.
• Remote working is advised where possible.

 

Progression to Stage 2 will be determined by the success of Stage 1, considering health care system capacity, hospitalization and ICU cases, and infection rates.