Restrictions could ease as early as next week: Kenney
Posted May 19, 2021 8:34 am.
Last Updated May 19, 2021 8:41 am.
EDMONTON – If vaccination numbers keep up, we could see restrictions ease off as early as next week, according to the premier.
Jason Kenney answered questions in a Facebook live Tuesday night, saying between next week and June, we should see restrictions ease off in the province.
Kenney added we have to keep pushing the curve down to end this third spike to be able to reopen–and more Albertans need to be vaccinated.
“We are aiming for 80 per cent of the population. So, the way you can help to bring that date forward when we lift all these restrictions is to do your part, to get vaccinated. Encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.”
Half of Albertans over the age of 12 have been immunized with at least one dose of the vaccine so far.
To date, the province has administered more than 2.24 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
He was also asked about schools and what would happen in the fall.
“Do [I] see our children having a normal school year this fall, meaning no masks, etc? Yes. Yes, yes, yes, I do.”
The education minister’s office said Tuesday kids are expected to return to in-person learning after the long weekend.
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Kenney said he also expects mask mandates to be gone by the fall except for specific situations.
“I think that there will be some settings, including hospitals and possibly long-term care, where even at high levels of vaccination that additional level of protection my be called for.”
Numbers are still going up in some regions, so Kenney says they have to be cautious in those areas.
