Gyms, restaurants, children’s activities allowed Feb. 8

“This roadmap sets out a clear path for when and how Albertans will see some easing of heath measures. By outlining the benchmarks we must achieve to see more reopenings, we are offering hope and a path forward. But we have to proceed with caution. This stepped approach will only work if Albertans continue to follow existing health measures and make good choices to keep our numbers trending down. It’s up to each one of us to maintain our vigilance.”

Starting Monday, February 8, Alberta will enter “Step 1”. This is due to the province meeting the threshold of a maximum of 600 COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Hospitalization benchmarks for easing COVID restrictions. (Government of Alberta)

“By outlining a roadmap with clear targets, we want Albertans to see themselves as part of the solution,” says Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw. “We must all continue to follow public health measures and reduce the spread of COVID-19 to see our downward trend continue. Only as we see hospitalizations fall low enough can we consider additional easing of restrictions.”

Kenney made it clear that, just because the province might fall below a certain threshold, it does not automatically mean that restrictions under that step will automatically and immediately be lifted. What it means is that the government will then be able to make appropriate decisions based on that benchmark.

For facilities included in Step 1, it was not specifically mentioned what kinds of capacity limits will be in effect.

More details on Step 1:

Indoor and outdoor children’s sport and performance

Children’s sport and performance activities are permitted if they are related to school activities, such as physical education classes.
This will allow K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions to use off-site facilities to support curriculum-related educational activities.

Indoor fitness

Only one-on-one training is permitted for indoor fitness activities (e.g. fitness in dance studios, training figure skating on ice, one-on-one lessons).
One-on-one sessions cannot interact with others and there must be a minimum of three metres distance between sessions in the same facility.
Sessions have to be scheduled or by appointment.
No drop-in for individuals or groups is allowed.
No sports games, competitions, team practice, league play or group exercise of any kind.
Trainers must be professional, certified and/or paid trainers who are providing active instruction and correction. Passive supervision of a physical activity is not considered training.
Trainers should remain masked during the session; clients are not required to wear a mask while exercising.
More than one trainer and client ‘pair’ are allowed into the facility, studio, rink, court, pool, ice surface, etc., as long as:
- Each trainer and client stays three metres away from all other trainers and clients at all times, including in entryways and exits.
- Each trainer only interacts with their assigned client, and each client only interacts with their assigned trainer.
- No interaction between clients or between trainers is allowed.
- No ‘cycling through’ multiple trainers, as in circuit training.

Restaurants, cafes and pubs

Restaurants, cafes, and pubs must collect the contact information of one person from the dining party.
Up to a maximum of six people per table; individuals must be from same household or the two close contacts for people living alone.
Liquor service ends at 10 p.m.
In-person dining must close by 11 p.m.
No entertainment allowed (e.g., no VLTs, pool tables, live music, etc.)

Full details here.

by David Opinko

Gyms, restaurants, children’s activities allowed Feb. 8

Indoor and outdoor children’s sport and performance

Indoor fitness

Restaurants, cafes and pubs

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