Toronto 
Credit: K-Days
On the heels of major Alberta festivals like Calgary Stampede, Taste of Edmonton, K-Days, Folk festivals announcing cancellations of 2020 editions, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw confirmed that gathering restrictions currently in place also apply to all one-time or annual summer events, including arts and culture festivals, agricultural fairs and rodeos, major sporting championships and industry conferences.
The orders in place prohibit gatherings of 15 or more people. They also require people gathered in groups of fewer than 15 to maintain a distance of two metres from one another.
According to the news release, by clarifying these restrictions now, organizers will be able to provide advance notice of 60 days or more that may help them limit unrecoverable expenditures and cancel contracts in a timely manner.
The Alberta government is working with major event organizers to ensure they understand the restrictions, to help mitigate the impacts of cancellations wherever possible, and to look for innovative ways to highlight Alberta arts and culture online.
These restrictions will continue to apply until evidence demonstrates that the spread is controlled.
