Alberta loosening COVID-19 gathering restrictions on Monday

Alberta is lifting some of its public health restrictions after avoiding a post-holiday boom in COVID-19 infections.

“Today we can’t entirely ease up. But we can make small adjustments to allow Albertans some limited activities,” Health Minister Tyler Shandro said at a Thursday news briefing.

Starting Monday, January 18, the province will once again allow outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people. No indoor facilities may be used during these gatherings, and all indoor gatherings are still forbidden.

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Personal services businesses can also reopen by appointment only starting Monday. That includes hair salons, manicure and pedicure spas, tattoo and piercing shops, and more.

Alberta is also raising the attendance limit for funerals to 20 people. Receptions after the service are still not allowed.

Officials said that if cases continue to stay stable, then restrictions may be peeled back even further.

“Our future will depend on Albertans remaining responsible,” Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said.

She added these rule changes are based on evidence and her recommendations.

“Our trend today is very different than our trend in December. Our trend today is coming down in a reassuring way,” she said.