New Public Health Restrictions

Yesterday, the Province of Alberta announced another state of public health emergency imposing new restrictions on individuals and businesses. 

Social gatherings remain the largest source of transmission and so effectively immediately:

• No indoor social gatherings: outdoor social gatherings are allowed, with a maximum of 10 persons.
• Funerals and weddings – Max 10 people.
• Faith Services: 1/3 of capacity, mandatory masking
• Masks will be mandatory in indoor workplaces.
• Restaurant rules will continue in enhanced areas (Edmonton / Calgary or others with 50 cases per 100K) – NEW: Dining in restaurants/bars, etc. can only be done with members of one’s household, in enhanced areas.
• Closed:
  • Banquet halls, conference centres, trade shows, auditoria and concert venues, non-approved/licensed markets, community centres
  • Children’s play places or indoor playgrounds
  • All levels of sport (professional, semi-professional, junior, collegiate/universities and amateur). Exemptions may be considered.
  • Casino TABLES – however, slots can remain open
• All customer facing businesses will be limited to 25 per cent of fire occupancy limits.
  • Retail businesses and services
• Appointment only businesses
  • Professional services
  • Personal services

These measurers are mandatory and those that break these rules will be subject to fines of $1,000. They will be in place for 3 weeks and then will be re-evaluated. In addition,

• Students K to 6 will continue in-school learning but will begin winter break Dec. 18 and return to classes Jan. 11.
• Students Grades 7 to 12 will begin online learning Nov. 30, end Dec. 18 and return on Jan. 11.

An emergency alert will go out later this week on the cell phone network to alert all Albertans. If these measures are not successful, more strict measures will be required. Premier Kenney encourages us all to do our part.