Alberta imposes new restrictions

The Government of Alberta has announced new restrictions related to the spread of COVID-19. They will last for at least 3 weeks.

"This is an extreme but necessary measure. As the number of cases continues to rise, we have no choice but to take serious restrictions now or put the health system at risk," said Provincial Premier Jason Kenney. — If we don't do it now or if the measures don't work, we will need many more restrictions, no one wants that."

At the height of the third wave of the pandemic, Alberta became one of the "hotspots" for the virus, repeatedly breaking anti-record for the number of infections per day. During May 4, the province saw 1,743 cases and on May 1 the number reached 2,433. The last time such numbers were seen in the province was in December 2020. Alberta now ranks first in Canada and second in North America in terms of the number of cases per 1 million people — it is surpassed only by Michigan, USA.

Measures for municipalities with more than 50 infections per 100,000 inhabitants and 30 or more active COVID cases

A number of restrictions go into effect on May 5.

Assemblies:

• meetings in the street are limited to 5 people, people from different households must keep their distance;
• meetings on the premises are prohibited;
• up to 10 people may attend the funeral, wake and weddings are prohibited;
• A maximum of 15 people may participate in religious gatherings, respecting the distance.

Work, study:

• colleges and universities are moving to online learning;
• employees should work remotely if their presence is not necessary;
• employees must wear masks in the workplace on the premises unless they are within 2 metres of each other or there is a physical barrier between them.

Shops and recreational facilities:

• retail stores must let in no more than 10% of the number of people allowed under fire safety regulations;
• Delivery, pick-up of pre-paid orders and online services are recommended;
• hotels and inns may operate, but with indoor pools and entertainment venues.

From May 7 to online learning will move kindergartens and schools, they can return to face-to-face classes on May 25.

Other restrictions will be in place as of May 9:

• Cafes and restaurants must be closed, delivery and take-away operations are allowed;
• barbershops and beauty salons must be closed;
• You can see a doctor or get professional services only by making an appointment;
• social services will continue to operate;
• no sports are allowed indoors;
• only family members may exercise outdoors, and those who live alone are allowed to meet with two other people for exercise.

Measures for municipalities with less than 50 infections per 100,000 inhabitants and/or less than 30 active COVID cases

As of May 5, the following restrictions apply:

• meetings in the street are limited to 10 people, people from different households must keep their distance;
• meetings on the premises are prohibited;
• Up to 20 people may attend the funeral, and memorial services and weddings are prohibited;
• no sports are allowed indoors;
• outdoor seating areas will remain open for up to 10 people at a time.

From May 7 kindergartens and schools will switch to distance learning until May 25.

From May 9 additional measures will be introduced:

• Cafes and restaurants must be closed, delivery and take-away operations are allowed;
• Personal and wellness services are available by appointment.