Health Minister Tyler Shandro. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta fully moves to Step 2 of easing COVID restrictions

Mar 8, 2021 | 4:13 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta says it is easing more public health restrictions in the province.

Last week, Alberta partially entered Step 2 with restrictions on libraries and indoor fitness facilities relaxed.

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

“I know that many Albertans wanted us to move faster last Monday and they were frustrated that we didn’t,” says Health Minister Tyler Shandro. “I also know that many Albertans feel very anxious about any measures being eased right now, not wanting to face another big rise in cases.”

It was the uneasiness that lead to the province not going further last week. There was a slight increase in cases in the days leading up to that announcement, so the government wanted to make sure that it was not going to make things worse.

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Now, however, Shandro says Alberta is ready to move forward.

“We said that we’d complete Step 2 when it was safe to do so and I believe that it now is. Over the past week, our daily case counts and our positivity rates have fallen. Thanks to the collective efforts of Albertans, our hospitalizations and ICU admissions have gone down as well.”

Today’s announcement of eased restrictions, effective immediately, include:

• Retail stores:
  • Can be at 25 per cent of fire code occupancy (not including staff) or a minimum of five customers
• Youth and post-secondary athletes – recreation and sports:
  • Lessons, practices, and physical conditioning are allowed for indoor and outdoor minor sports/activities and school athletics
  • Games are not allowed
  • A maximum of 10 individuals can take part including coaches, trainers, and participants
  • Access to change rooms are limited
• Child, youth, and adult performances allowed:
  • Includes dance, singing, theatre, and wind musical instruments
  • Also includes indoor group performances in places of workshop such as choir singing and instrumental music
  • Can be for rehearsals, lessons, filming, or broadcasting virtual performances
  • Can be held with a maximum of 10 participants
• Banquet halls, community centres, conference centres can open for all activities under Steps 1 and 2
  • Virtual meetings, conferences, and events
  • Wedding ceremonies can have 10 in attendance
  • Funeral services can have 20 in attendance
• Hotels, motels, hunting, and fishing lodges may remain open for dine-in establishments, indoor fitness, and personal and wellness services

A general overview of eased restrictions in Alberta can be viewed below.

(Alberta Health Services)

Full details on COVID-19 public health measures are available on the AHS website here.

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