Fitness classes cancelled, smaller worship gatherings: New COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta
Posted Nov 12, 2020 3:43 pm.
Last Updated Nov 12, 2020 6:24 pm.
EDMONTON – The province is adding on new restrictions in Alberta as it tries to get the skyrocketing COVID-19 case count under control.
Premier Jason Kenney and Health Minister Tyler Shandro joined Cheif Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw for her update to announce a series of “measured and balanced” restrictions to help bend the curve back down.
Starting Friday, there will be a two-week pause for indoor group fitness classes or sporting activities in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie, and Fort McMurray.
Here is a list of the new health restrictions being introduced: pic.twitter.com/6lGv6KCCBu
— Jeff Slack (@Jeffslack660) November 12, 2020
Outdoor sports or classes and professional or collegiate sports are exempt from the targeted restrictions.
“Group sports and fitness classes can cause a high risk of spread… Socializing may also take place before or after the activity, which you’ve seen as a factor in recent team sports outbreaks,” said Kenney.
Group singing and dancing activities will also be shut down for the time being.
WATCH: Thursday’s provincial COVID-19 update
Bars and restaurants in cities with more than 50 cases per 100,000 people must stop liquor services by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m. from Friday until Nov. 27.
The number of people allowed at weddings and funerals has been cut back to 50.
The province just did last call.
VOICE OF: @jkenney announcing mandatory end of liquor services at 10 p.m. for all communities under enhanced status. pic.twitter.com/l1jwO1aEWk— Crystal Laderas (@CrisLaderas) November 12, 2020
Family gatherings are capped at 15 people and the province says Albertans should not hold social gatherings within their homes and should not plan social gatherings outside their community.
Faith organizations are asked to scale back their worship gatherings to a third of the building capacity.
Employers are asked to restrict the number of people in the workplace.
Hinshaw said in addition to the provincial health orders, she’s asking Albertans to look at where they can reduce or avoid social gatherings and connect virtually where possible.
“We have to bend the curve back down to support our health care system to protect vulnerable Albertans to keep schools open and to avoid further damage to people’s livelihoods and the economy at a time of great diversity,” said Kenney.
“We’ve seen examples in some US states, European countries, Quebec and elsewhere of the impact that COVID can have when it overwhelms the health system. We must not let that happen.”
Kenney said if Albertans don’t move to make dramatic changes over the next 14 days, the government might have to look at harsher lockdown measures.
For now, classes are still in session in Alberta’s schools. Kenney said stricter classroom measures won’t be added as seen in other provinces like Quebec yet, but some could be added if the COVID-19 situation becomes dire.
The province announced 860 new cases and 10 deaths on Thursday.
-with files from Justin Slimm
