By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
Alberta is set to re-open as the remaining health restrictions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus are set to be lifted on July 1.
On June 18, the province issued a release stating Alberta has reached the 70 per cent threshold, triggering a two-week waiting period before Stage 3 begins.
With 70.2 per cent of eligible Albertans having been vaccinated with at least one dose as of June 17, Alberta will move to Stage 3 on July 1 and fully reopen, removing all mandatory restrictions.
Restrictions eased in Stage 3, effective July 1 are:
• All remaining restrictions will be lifted, including the ban on indoor social gatherings.
• Isolation requirements for confirmed cases of COVID-19 and protective measures in continuing care settings may remain.
• The general indoor provincial mask mandate will be lifted, but masking may still be required in limited and specific settings.
At 70.2 per cent, 2,671,564 of eligible Albertans have now received their first dose, including more than 25 per cent who are fully vaccinated with two doses.
To book your COVID-19 vaccine, visit alberta.ca/vaccine to find available appointments with Alberta Health Services or participating pharmacies across the province. Select locations are offering walk-in clinics for first doses.
“This is a great day for Alberta! Thanks to the diligence of Albertans and the decision of 2.7 million folks to get vaccinated, we are now just two weeks away from getting our lives back to normal. This is an important milestone and a great achievement, but we will not stop here. We will keep administering first and second doses as quickly as possible so we’re not just open for summer, but open for good,” said Premier Jason Kenney.
It was also noted that anyone in Alberta 18 and over can still enter the first Open for Summer Lottery draw for a chance to win $1 million.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on June 24 and proof of vaccination will be required to claim the prize.
The winner will be announced on July 1, when Alberta officially enters Stage 3.
“With more than 70 per cent of eligible Albertans now vaccinated with a first dose and more receiving second doses every day, the end of this pandemic is near. Thank you to the Albertans who have rolled up their sleeves to get protected. For those who are still thinking about getting a shot, you have only one week to get your shot before we draw for $1 million and other great prizes,” said Tyler Shandro, minister of health.