Alberta moves to Step 2 of easing restrictions, but limited version

Mar 1, 2021 | 5:19 PM

EDMONTON, AB– A modified approach to easing COVID restrictions was announced today.

The breakdown for indoor fitness and other easings are as follows:

Low-intensity individual and group exercises are now allowed without a trainer.
- Low-intensity fitness includes activities not focused specifically on cardio, that have a low depth and rate of respiration.
- Examples include barre, pilates, stretching, tai-chi, low-intensity yoga (e.g. hatha, yin), light weightlifting, indoor rock climbing.
High-intensity activities are permitted for one-on-one or one-on-one household training only, with a trainer.
- High-intensity fitness is often focused on cardiovascular activities that have a high depth and rate of respiration.
- Examples include bodybuilding/heavy weightlifting, aerobics, rowing, Zumba, Bootcamp, circuit training, cross-fit, dance fitness, high-intensity interval training, kickboxing, spin, power yoga, swimming, etc.
Libraries are allowed to open at 15% of fire code occupancy, not including staff.

“Gym, studio, and fitness centre operators should use their best judgement in identifying what category their group exercise classes fall into based on these examples,” the website reads.

As a cautionary measure, changes to current restrictions for retail, children’s sports, and hotels, banquets, community halls and conference centres have been delayed until Step 3.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

The image below shows the government’s determined updated steps.

Image from Alberta Government

“We are taking a cautious approach, recognizing that active cases and hospitalizations have declined, but the threat of COVID-19 remains real. Thanks to the hard work of Albertans over the past few weeks, we’re taking this safe step forward. Albertans have proven their ability to make a difference, so let’s continue in our efforts to keep cases dropping so more restrictions can be eased over time, just as Alberta’s government will continue applying pressure on Ottawa to catch up on vaccine supply,” Premier Jason Kenney adds.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro says Alberta could possibly move into more of the original Step 2 providing that active hospitalization numbers remain low.

Hospitalizations have continued to decline, even falling below the threshold to move to Step 3. Decisions on Step 3 will be made at a later date.

Additional details on the current restrictions are outlined on alberta.ca.

by Connor Gunn