Alberta re-enters state of public emergency, government announces major new COVID measures

Well, we all knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make this any easier. With cases on the rise, not only did Premier Jason Kenney announce a set of new, more restrictive precautionary measures, he also confirmed that the province will immediately re-enter a state of public emergency with sweeping restrictions beginning today.

The majority of restrictions on social gatherings, mask requirements, places of worship and more will be coming into effect today, November 24th. Restrictions for businesses and services will be coming into effect on November 27th.

Now, we know this is the pits, but it’s important to remember that these restrictions are imperative in order to prevent our healthcare system from being overwhelmed any further. Also, because of Alberta’s recent influx, contact tracing has become a bit of a mess. This means that people who have been exposed, aren’t being told to isolate as quickly as they should be and that’s not good folks! 

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So, without further adieu, Alberta’s new COVID measures will include the following:

• • Banquets, conferences, trade shows, non-approved/licensed markets must be postponed.
• • Indoor playgrounds and sporting facilities will be closed until further notice.
• • Restaurants and bars will stay open with restrictions as long as they follow updated public health guidelines (November 27th)

• • The majority of retail businesses, as well as entertainment venues (movie theatres, libraries, casinos, museums etc.), may remain open, as long as they operate at a capacity of 25% (November 27th)

• • Personal services must operate by appointment only. This includes wellness services, acupuncture, massage and reflexology. (November 27th)

• • Professional businesses and services must also operate by appointment only. These business providers include: lawyers, mediators, accountants, and photographers (November 27th)

In addition to changing the way that businesses and facilities operate, Kenney also announced that masks will now be mandatory in all indoor workplaces at all times unless you are alone in an office, or in a safely distanced cubicle.

Students grades 7 to 12 will also move to at-home learning as of November 30th, and – here’s a big one – no indoor social gatherings are permitted in any setting as of November 24th.

As mentioned, the majority of these measures go into effect immediately with the restricted access to some businesses and services beginning on Friday the 27th. This will all be re-evaluated come mid-December.

So, Alberta, there you have it. Basically, we have to do better – we have to be better! Hopefully, it won’t be long before we see the other side of this. Until then, stay safe, stay home, follow the guidelines and wash your freaking hands!

For more information on the new restrictions, just click here.