Alberta enters Stage 2 of reopening Thurs.–here’s what you need to know

CALGARY — It seems like Alberta entered Stage One of its reopening plan yesterday, but lo and behold, Stage Two has already arrived,

And while you still may be trying to catch up on what is allowed in Stage One of Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan, it’s time to prepare for Stage Two, beginning Thursday.

Gathering limits

Beginning on Thursday, you will now be allowed to gather with 20 people outdoors with distancing.

As for ceremonies and services, the limit for weddings has been increased to 20 people, with receptions permitted outdoors. Indoor and outdoor funeral services remain unchanged, with up to 20 people permitted.

Public outdoor gatherings, such as concerts and festivals, will be increased to 150 people.

Capacity limits

For places of worship, the capacity will be limited to one-third of fire code capacity.

The same will go for retail spaces, with just one-third of the store’s capacity being allowed in at a time.

Indoor recreation centres will also follow the same guidelines. This will include arenas, cinemas, theatres, museums, art galleries and libraries.

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Sports and recreational activities

Gyms will once again be allowed to open for solo and drop-in activities with distancing between participants. Fitness classes may also resume with three-metre distancing.

Indoor and outdoor youth and adult sports will be allowed to resume.

Youth activities such as day camps, overnight camps and play centres can resume.

Dining

Indoor dining will make its return in the province, with restaurants now being allowed to seat up to six people at a table, both indoors and outdoors.

There will no longer be a restriction for those seated together at a table, meaning you will be allowed to sit with others from outside your household.

Physical distancing rules will still apply.

Other

Post-secondary students will now be allowed to resume in-person learning.

The work from home order is being lifted but is still being recommended by the province.

Personal and wellness services can once again resume walk-in services.

Alberta now has 67.8 per cent of the eligible population vaccinated with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. When the province eventually hits the 70 per cent threshold, it will trigger the two-week timer for Stage 3 of the province’s reopening plan.