Most of Alberta to move forward with full Stage 1 relaunch tomorrow

Note: While local parks, shops, and events are beginning to reopen, Alberta Health Services is reminding individuals to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. If you decide to go out, maintain the 6-feet physical distancing guidelines.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement on Wednesday that the province would be going ahead with Stage 1 of its COVID-19 Relaunch Strategy.

However, given the disproportionate number of cases in Brooks and Calgary, these two areas will be reopened slower than the rest of Alberta, Kenney said at the press conference.

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For the rest of the province, this means the reopening of hairstyling and barber shops, day camps, post-secondary institutions, places of worship, funeral services, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and bars as of May 14 — while still being limited by rules regarding capacity.

“As we continue to carefully relaunch our economy, the safety of Albertans remains our top priority. Alberta businesses have demonstrated great resilience through this pandemic,” said Kenney.

“Now it is time to show them our support. I encourage all Albertans to go out and support local businesses in a safe and responsible way. We all have a role to play in supporting our province’s economic well-being, while remaining vigilant in the fight against COVID-19. With care and common sense, we will be able to move steadily and safely through the stages of our relaunch strategy.”

The complete Stage 1 relaunch will be phased in over a two week period for Calgary and Brooks, with retail businesses, farmers’ markets, museums, art galleries, daycares, and out-of-school care being allowed in these areas, with limits on capacity, as of May 14.

Hairstyling and barber shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and bars will be reopened in Calgary and Brooks on May 25 (so long as new cases and hospitalizations remain low), and June 1 will see the reopening of the remaining Stage 1 businesses and organizations.

All Stage 1 reopenings of cafes, restaurants, pubs, and bars will be limited to 50% of capacity.