Alberta Relaunch Stage 2 begins today

The City of Calgary announced earlier this afternoon that they are lifting the local state of emergency at 12:01 am tonight. The pandemic is not over so we need to ensure we are still adhering to all the public health guidelines.

Alberta’s relaunch of stage 2 begins tomorrow, one week earlier than planned. Stage 2 will allow additional businesses and services to reopen and resume operations with 2 metre physical distancing requirements and other public health guidelines in place. See below for what can open with restrictions.

• 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, cosmetics skin and body treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, facial treatments, artificial tanning)
• movie theatres and theatres
• community halls
• team sports
• indoor recreation, fitness and sports, including gyms and arenas
• pools for leisure swimming
• VLTs in restaurants and bars
• bingo halls and casinos (but not table games)
• instrumental concerts
• provincial campgrounds at full capacity

In addition, events and gathering can be larger in stage 2.

• 50 people maximum: indoor social gatherings, including wedding and funeral receptions, and birthday parties
• 100 people maximum: outdoor events and indoor seated/audience events, including wedding and funeral ceremonies
• No cap on the number of people (with public health measures in place):
  • worship gatherings
  • restaurant, cafes, lounges and bars
  • casinos
  • bingo halls

More flexibility for ‘cohort’ groups – small groups of people whose members do not always keep 2 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 (cast members or performers)
• sports teams can play in region-only cohorts of up to 50 players (mini leagues)
• people could be part of a sports/performing and household cohort  

For more information,  please click here: Alberta's relaunch strategy | Alberta.ca

Physical Distancing

• Physical Distancing must be maintained
• Keep at least 2 metres (6 feet) distance from people outside your household or cohort family.
• No hugging people, shaking hands, etc. outside your household or cohort family
• Wear a mask when distancing is not possible. Wearing a mask does not replace physical distancing when physical distancing can be maintained.

For more information, please click here: Help prevent the spread | Alberta.ca

   Alberta Health Services (AHS)

COVID-19 testing is available for all Albertans whether you have symptoms or not. For more information or to book your appointment, click here: novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Self-Assessment | Alberta Health Services

Remember, if you have any of the symptoms listed below, stay home and complete the AHS self-assessment tool online COVID Self Assessment which has been updated to include all of these symptoms.

• Fever
• Chills
• A new cough or worsening of a chronic cough
• New or worsening shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat or painful swallowing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• Feeling unwell in general, or new fatigue or severe exhaustion
• Gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite
• Loss of sense of smell or taste, or
• Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye

We all have a role in the continued successful relaunch of our economy. Please continue practicing physical distancing, wash your hands often and stay home if you are sick.

Should you have any questions, please email emergency@yyc.com.