Provincial Press Release May 28, 2021 @ 3:09 pm published 3:25 pm
As of May 27, 60.3 per cent of eligible Albertans have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
With 60 per cent of eligible Albertans vaccinated, Stage 2 easing could begin on June 10, subject to hospitalizations being below 500 and trending downwards.
The two-week waiting period begins once the 60 per cent trigger has been met to provide time for the vaccine to take effect.
As of May 28, the number of people hospitalized due to COVID-19 remains above the threshold and sits at 517. Alberta will closely monitor hospitalization trends over the next two weeks.
“With our vaccination program protecting more Albertans every day and fewer Albertans in hospital due to COVID-19, we are on the right track to a safe reopening. Our government is watching the evidence and is working to protect both lives and livelihoods across the province.” Jason Kenney, Premier
“Albertans are responding to our call to get vaccinated, and we are seeing the results. We will continue to strike a safe balance between easing restrictions and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Get vaccinated as soon as possible and encourage others around you to get protected too.” Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health
“The next two weeks will be a critical time for Alberta. The more we can drive our numbers down in the next few weeks by all following public health measures, and the more Albertans who are protected by immunization, the more successful we will be in our opening.” Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health
Restrictions eased in Stage 2 of the Open for Summer Plan:
Outdoor social gatherings increase to 20 people, with distancing.
Wedding ceremonies may occur with up to 20 attendees. Receptions are permitted outdoors only.
Funeral ceremonies remain unchanged with up to 20 people permitted, not including facility staff, funeral clergy or organizers not considered guests. Receptions are permitted outdoors only.
Restaurants may seat tables with up to six people, indoors or outdoors.
Dining parties are no longer restricted to households only.
Physical distancing and other restrictions still apply.
Retail capacity increases to one-third of fire code occupancy (must maintain ability to distance).
Capacity for places of worship increases to one-third of fire code occupancy.
Gyms and other indoor fitness open for solo and drop-in activities with three-metre distancing between participants and fitness classes may resume with three-metre distancing.
Indoor settings may open with up to one-third of fire code occupancy, including indoor recreation centres. This includes arenas, cinemas, theatres, museums, art galleries and libraries.
Indoor and outdoor youth and adult sports resume with no restrictions.
Youth activities, such as day camps and play centres, may resume, with restrictions.
Personal and wellness services can resume walk-in services.
Post-secondary institutions can resume in-person learning.
The work-from-home order is lifted but still recommended.
Outdoor fixed seating facilities (e.g., grandstands) can open with one-third seated capacity.
Public outdoor gatherings increase to 150 people (e.g. concerts/festivals), with restrictions.
Distancing and masking requirements remain in effect.
Indoor masking and distancing requirements will remain in place throughout this stepped approach and some degree of restrictions will still apply to all activities within each step. Additional details on the current restrictions are outlined at alberta.ca.
Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s health-care system.