Toronto 
Credit: Alberta Govt/You Tube
Albertan Premier Jason Kenney has released its reopening plan – Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan, which will see the province lifting some public health restrictions as early as May 28th.
Alberta will increase the capacity for places of worship to 15 per cent on Friday, May 28th and hair salons and restaurant patios can open on Tuesday, June 1st.
What is Opening on June 1st:
Physical distancing and masking requirements remain in effect during stage 1.
- Outdoor social gatherings, with distancing, increase to up to 10 people.Indoor social gatherings are still not permitted.
- Outdoor patio dining can resume with a maximum of four people per table.Everyone at the table must be members of the same household or for a person living alone, dining parties are limited to two close contacts.
- Outdoor physical, performance and recreational activities are permitted with up to 10 distanced people, for all ages.
- Retail can increase to 15 per cent of fire code occupancy (must maintain ability to distance).
- Personal and wellness services can reopen, by appointment only.
- Wedding ceremonies may have up to 10 people, including the officiant, bride/groom, witnesses and any photographers/videographers. Receptions remain prohibited.
- Funeral ceremonies may have up to 20 people, not including facility staff, funeral clergy or organizers not considered guests. Receptions remain prohibited.
Stage 2 & 3:
Kenney says movie theatres, libraries and gyms will be allowed to open and indoor dining restaurants will be able to offer indoor dining as of mid-June.
The third phase could see most all public health orders lifted in time for the Calgary Stampede.
Kenney says trending indicators look good, but he’s challenging people to make a final push in beating back the grip of the pandemic.
“It’s up to Albertans now,” he told a news conference Wednesday. “You can do your part … by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
“We could be fully open within a month.”
The government brought in tougher health orders three weeks ago to tamp down a surge in cases that saw Alberta lead North America in daily infection rates.
The cases were also threatening to overwhelm hospitals. More than 2,000 infections — or more — a day were being reported with more than 700 people in hospital.
The numbers have declined considerably since, but chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, said Tuesday there are still more than 12,000 active cases, so Albertans must remain vigilant.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2021.
The Canadian Press
— With Files From The Canadian Press
