New COVID-19 restrictions enacted

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On Nov. 24, the province declared a state of public health emergency and enacted new restrictions in response to increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases through much of the province.

These steps, which place new restrictions on social gathering worship services, businesses, schools and all Albertans, were not taken lightly, said Premier Jason Kenney, during the Nov. 24 press conference. 

“I certainly didn’t go into public service, nor did any of the people sitting around our cabinet table, in order to impose restrictions on how people live their lives,” he said. “But we believe these are the minimum restrictions needed right now to safeguard our healthcare system while avoiding widespread damage to people’s livelihoods.”

Not following these restrictions may result in $1,000 fines per ticketed offence and up to $100,000 by the courts, according to a government of Alberta news release.

Many of these mandatory public health measures affect gatherings. “Social gatherings are the biggest problem,” said Kenney. “Many people may think that a family dinner or get together with friends is no big deal; it’s just normal,” he said. “But it is the key reason why COVID-19 is winning. These gatherings in the home continued to be the largest source of transmission, and so they must stop now.”

No indoor social gatherings (of people from separate households) are being permitted in any setting, including private homes, public spaces or workplaces. The exception to this is that people who live alone can have two non-household contacts. Outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people. These must not have an indoor component, such as a backyard gathering requiring movement into and out of homes. 

Weddings and funerals may have up to 10 participants, including officiants. This restriction applies to any facility and regardless of whether services are held indoors or outdoors, or whether seated or unseated. Receptions are not permitted. Festivals and events are banned outright.

Places of worship

Some of the other restrictions pertain to “enhanced” status areas only, which includes Strathmore and Wheatland County.

For places of worship, attendance is being restricted to one third of normal capacity, with mandatory masking. Faith leaders or other speakers are permitted to remove their masks while speaking while maintaining physical distance. Online services are being encouraged.

In-person faith group meetings and other religious gathers are not permitted in private homes while these measures are in effect. These meetings may continue at places of worship, however. Services must be held at their normal location and physical distancing is required.

Businesses

Since Nov. 27, some businesses are limiting in-person access to reduce the amount of contact between people in the community. These restrictions apply to all enhanced-status communities, which includes Strathmore and Wheatland County.

Some businesses are closed for in-person services. This includes large meeting spaces such as banquet halls, conference centres, concert venues and community centres, as well as indoor playgrounds. All levels of sport are closed.

Restaurants, bars, pubs and lounges are open with restrictions as long as they are following existing public health guidance. This includes having a maximum of six people from the same immediate household at a table and no movement between tables. Again, there is a special concession for people living alone, who may meet with up to two non-household contacts.

Only seated eating and drinking is permitted. No other services or entertainment will be allowed, such as billiards or other games. Liquor can be sold until 10 p.m. and food-serving establishments must close to in-person dining at 11 p.m. Albertans are being encouraged to use curbside pickup, delivery and online services if possible.

Most retail businesses may remain open, but with limited capacity (25 per cent of occupancy set under the Alberta Fire Code). This includes grocery stores, pharmacies and clothing stores. Some entertainment and event services may remain open with similar limited capacity, including movie theatres, libraries and indoor fitness facilities. 

For fitness businesses, facilities can be open for individual activities only. No group activities, such as classes, training or practices are permitted. Instructors may use a facility to broadcast virtual classes, however.