Calgary state of emergency to expire in December despite ongoing pandemic

Calgary’s local state of emergency, which was brought in in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will expire on Dec. 2.

The city says its Municipal Emergency Plan will remain activated to provide locals with information, resources, and supports related to the pandemic.

However, it notes “powers afforded under the State of Local Emergency are no longer deemed necessary.”

The city cites increasing vaccination rates as an encouraging sign to dealing with the health crisis. However, it says Calgary must remain vigilant and that people “cannot drop our guard against this virus.”

“Calgarians know what we need to do. We need to get vaccinated, follow the public health rules and work together to prevent the spread,” said Chief Susan Henry of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA).

“Most Calgarians have rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community from the pandemic with 88 per cent of Calgarians aged 12 and older now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the vaccination for children aged 5-11 underway.”

The state of emergency was brought in on Sept. 3.

“With the increase of vaccinations and the continued use of masks in public settings, we have been able to keep businesses and our economy open,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

Gondek stresses that the pandemic is still very much ongoing. She is urging people in her city to continue practicing many of the measures brought in over the last several months, including masking up and getting vaccinated.