Hinshaw speaks on what the holidays may look like for Albertans

With the holidays fast approaching, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw spoke to what they might look like during the pandemic.

“With the calendar flipping to December today, I know many people across the province are starting to plan for the holiday season,” she said.

“For many of us, this upcoming season is about socializing and spending time together. December is when we typically spend time with family, friends, and colleagues.”

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Hinshaw stated that Alberta’s health officials do not yet know what public health measures would be in place come the last week of December, but that Albertans should plan for small gatherings, if any.

“I am encouraging Albertans to begin preparing for a much different holiday season, and to start thinking of creative ways to celebrate safely,” she said.

“This is not going to be the year for in-person office parties. This is not going to be the year for open houses or large dinners with friends and extended family. If you are making holiday plans, it is best to assume that you will still be limiting contact with anyone outside of your household as much as possible, and that any larger get togethers will likely need to be virtual.”

Hinshaw also noted that the province saw an increase in cases following Thanksgiving, with the impact of that holiday still being felt.

“It’s been a long, hard year, and I know how important these holidays are to Albertans, but in a year that is anything buy typical, how we celebrate won’t be typical either.”