Here’s what you need to know about Alberta’s new COVID restrictions

We’re not sure who’s harder to keep up with – Usain Bolt or the Alberta Government, because, for the second time in seven days, Premier Jason Kenney took to the podium to announce that the province will be tightening COVID restrictions, yet again.

As we’re sure you remember, April 29th brought some interesting news regarding the coronavirus in ‘hotspot’ cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Lethbridge.

Due to a record-breaking daily influx of cases, officials decided that not only would students grades 7-12 have to shift back to online classes; all youth and adult indoor sports, performances, and activities would be prohibited. Places like indoor recreational facilities were asked to close their doors and all fitness activities, including group physical activities (team sports, classes, and training sessions) one-on-one lessons, and all other practices training and games were also prohibited.

Now, despite these changes, hospitalizations continue to surge and Kenney has reinstated even more familiar guidelines.

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Here’s everything we know about the new, NEW COVID restrictions – which will remain in place for the next 3 weeks!

Effective immediately:

• Outdoor gatherings will not be allowed to exceed 5 people
• All outdoor activities must stay within the family
• Post-secondary students will have to go back to online classes
• A limit of 15 people will be placed on places of worship
• and lastly, funerals may only allow 10 people per service

Effective on Friday, May 7th:

• All students – K-12 must go back to online schooling
• Any business with a confirmed COVID-19 outbreak will now have to close for 10 days, with exemptions for critical workspaces

Then, effective 11:59 PM on Sunday, May 9th the following will be required to close their doors to the public:

• Personal and wellness services (hair salons, tattoo parlours, tanning and nail salons)
• Restaurants and bars – outdoor patios will no longer be allowed to seat customers. (take-out or delivery only)
• Health, social and professional services (massage, dentists, accountants, lawyers) – will only be available by appointment only
• Performance centres (for both adults and youth)

Also, and – here’s the doozy, folks – the basic fine for violating any other above health measures has been doubled to $2,000.

Now, these measures will only apply to regions or communities with over 50 cases per 100,000 people and 30 active cases – so luckily, if you live in a tiny town, this will not pertain to you.

For everyone else, believe us when we say that we’re tired of all of this too, but it’s important to remember that we could be saving lives. This remains just as important as it was a year ago and will stay as such until we eradicate this thing. Vaccines are on their way for everyone, Alberta – so just hold on a little while longer.

For more information on case numbers, COVID restrictions, or anything else, please visit the official Alberta Government website here.

As always, be safe, be kind and be patient, Alberta. We’ve got this.