Alberta can move to stage two of its re-launch strategy as strong testing data shows active COVID-19 cases in Alberta are lower than expected, meaning stage two can safely begin on June 12, a week sooner than expected.
The province announced on June 9 that current data from June 8 show 355 active cases and 44 people in hospital across Alberta. This is a decrease of almost 70 per cent in active cases since May 14 – when the province began stage one of the re-launch strategy. With its approach to testing, Alberta has performed more COVID-19 tests per capita than most other jurisdictions in the world.
As the province enters stage two of relaunch, safety remains the top priority. More businesses, sport and recreation services can open if they are ready. Some larger gatherings for seated audience events will be permitted. In all cases, public health guidance must be followed.
What can open with restrictions are:
• 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 per cent 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. By July 1, all camping sites will be open for reservations. First-come, first-served sites may open sooner. Information on additional sites will be added to alberta.parks.ca when they become available.
Events and gatherings can also be larger in stage two.
Indoor social gatherings, including wedding and funeral receptions, and birthday parties, can have a maximum 50 people.
Outdoor events and indoor seated/audience events, including wedding and funeral ceremonies, can have a maximum 100 people.
There is no cap on the number of people, with public health measures and physical distancing in place, on worship gatherings; restaurants, cafés, lounges and bars; casinos; and bingo halls.
There is more flexibility for “cohort” groups, that is small groups of people whose members do not always keep two metres apart.
A household can increase its close interactions with other households to a maximum of 15 people
Performers can have a cohort of up to 50 people, that is cast members or performers.
Sports teams can play in region-only cohorts of up to 50 players, in mini leagues.
Everyone is encouraged to follow public health guidelines and notify others in the cohort if they have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. If they do test positive or have symptoms, mandatory isolation is required.
The success of stage two will determine when Alberta progresses to stage three. Factors are active cases, health-care system capacity, hospitalization and intensive care unit cases, and infection rates. For more information, visit alberta.ca/RelaunchStrategy.