New health measures to “stop the spike”

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

New public health measures have been enacted by the Alberta government in response to record highs in COVID-19 cases and intensive care stays in the province.

Some restrictions take effect immediately and will be in effect for at least three weeks. These measures apply to all Albertans and organizations in municipalities or areas with more than 50 cases per 100,000 people and with 30 or more active cases. This includes both Strathmore (May 4: 727 cases per 100,000 people; 135 active cases) and Wheatland County (36 active cases). 

All post-secondary institutions must move to online learning.

Retail services must now limit customer capacity to 10 per cent of fire code capacity, or to a minimum of five customers. This applies to both individual stores and common areas. However, the per cent capacity limit at shopping malls excludes common area square footage.

Outdoor social gatherings are being limited to five people, a reduction from the previous 10 people. There is a “strong recommendation” these gatherings be limited to no more than two family cohorts. All indoor social gatherings remain prohibited.

Workplaces with COVID-19 outbreaks will be mandated to close for 10 days, with exemptions for critical workplaces.

Places of worship are now limited to 15 people (from 15 per cent capacity). Funerals are now limited to 10 people (from 20). Wedding and funeral receptions are still not permitted.

Starting May 6, kindergarten through Grade 12 will move to at-home learning until May 25. There are currently 80,000 students and staff in self-isolation across the province, meaning many schools will soon not be able to operate.

Other restrictions take effect May 9. Personal and wellness services, such as hair salons, tattoo parlors, tanning salons and nail salons will close for the next three weeks, as will bars and restaurants, including outdoor patios. Health, social and professional services, including massage therapy, physicians, dentists, accountants and lawyers will remain open by appointment only. 

Youth and adult performance activities will close. All indoor fitness remains prohibited, including one-on-one training. All outdoor sports and recreation will be prohibited, except with household members or two close contacts for those living alone. This applies to group physical activities, one-on-one lessons, practices, training and games.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said the government has resisted implementing widespread and long-term lockdown policies, but more restrictions are now needed to save lives. This is because the arrival of more transmissible COVID variants in Alberta is now putting pressure on the province’s health care system.

“Nobody wants to be here, especially after 14 months with multiple waves of this pandemic,” said Kenney. “But our commitment to the health and safety of Albertans must come first.”

As of May 4, there were 671 people in hospital with COVID-19, including 150 in intensive care. If exponential growth of COVID-19 continues in Alberta, it would push the limits of the province’s total intensive care capacity within weeks, said Kenney. To protect hospitals and avoid widespread delays or cancellations of surgeries and other health care, these new measures are necessary, he added.

“We will not permit our healthcare system to be overwhelmed,” he said. “We must not, and we will not, force our doctors and nurses to decide who gets care and who doesn’t.”

Increased fines

The province is increasing fines for violating public health measures from $1,000 to $2,000. For serious offences, the maximum fine under the law is $100,000. The government is also introducing a tougher enforcement protocol for repeat offenders, “because we will not tolerate those who endanger the health of their fellow Albertans, while the vast majority of people are doing the right thing,” said Kenney.

Teachers now vaccine eligible

Teachers, early childhood educators and other education workers are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. These workers can book vaccine appointments through Alberta Health Services (AHS), 811, or participating pharmacies. Eligible are all active certified teachers, support workers such as assistants, bus drivers and custodians, and early childhood educators and staff.