.Alberta is moving forward with Stage 2 of its Relaunch Strategy a week sooner than initially planned.
Premier Jason Kenney on Tuesday saying this is due to strong testing data which shows active COVID-19 cases are lower than expected.
He says Albertans have demonstrated the care and common sense needed to move forward with our relaunch earlier. “Our data tells us our active cases are low, hospitalizations are trending downward and people are taking action to protect those most vulnerable and prevent the spread of the virus. We will continue to move forward together to overcome any tough times ahead, but responsible Albertans should be proud of the vigilance they have shown to date”.
As of Friday, June 12 public libraries, movie theatres, and wellness services like massage therapy and acupuncture can reopen as can gyms, fitness centres, bingo halls, casinos and indoor sports.
Several of those elements were originally part of Stage 3 and have been moved up.
What can open with restrictions on June 12:
- K-12 schools, for requested diploma exams and summer school, following guidance
- Libraries
- More surgeries
- Wellness services such as massage, acupuncture and reflexology
- Personal services (esthetics, cosmetic skin and body treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, facial treatment, artificial tanning)
- Indoor recreation, fitness, and sports, including gyms and arenas
- Movie theatres and theatres
- Community halls
- Team sports
- Pools for leisure swimming
- VLTs in restaurants and bars
- Casinos and bingo halls (but not table games)
- Instrumental concerts
The 50% capacity limit for provincial campgrounds is also being lifted. Over the coming days, the online reservation system will be updated and sites will come online in phases.
Larger gatherings are being permitted as well starting Friday:
- Maximum 50 people: Indoor social gatherings – including wedding and funeral receptions, and birthday parties
- Maximum 100 people: Outdoor events and indoor seated/audience events – including wedding and funeral ceremonies
No cap on the number of people (with public health measures and physical distancing in place):
- Worship gatherings
- Restaurants, cafés, lounges and bars
- Casinos
- Bingo halls
Still not approved in Stage 2 are social gatherings that exceed above listed maximums, regular in-school classes for K-12, vocal concerts, major festivals and concerts, large conferences, trade shows and events, nightclubs, amusement parks, Hookah lounges (permitted for food and drink only), major sporting events and tournaments.
Non-essential travel outside of Alberta is not recommended. This recommendation will not be lifted until Stage 3.