(Alberta Government)

By Shaun Penner

Open for Summer

Alberta moving to Stage 3 of reopening July 1, lifting nearly all public health measures

Jun 18, 2021 | 1:03 PM

Alberta is lifting most all of its public health restrictions in time for Canada Day.

Premier Jason Kenney announced Friday that the province had delivered the needed first shots of COVID-19 vaccine to at least 70 per cent of those aged 12 and up in the province, meeting the threshold to enter the third and final stage of the “Open for Summer” plan on July 1.

Kenney said 70.2 per cent of eligible Albertans had received at least one dose of vaccine as of Thursday, June 17.

“Thanks to the diligence of Albertans and the decision of 2.7 million folks to get vaccinated, we are now just two weeks away from getting our lives back to normal,” said Kenney.

“This is an important milestone and a great achievement, but we will not stop here. We will keep administering first and second doses as quickly as possible so we’re not just open for summer, but open for good.”

As part of the “Open for Summer” plan, the move to the next stage occurs two weeks after the threshold is reached.

Alberta is also set to be the first province to remove most all public health measures in Canada.

Under Stage 3, all remaining restrictions will be lifted, including the ban on indoor social gatherings. Isolation requirements for confirmed cases of COVID-19 and protective measures in continuing care settings will remain.

The province adds the general indoor provincial mask mandate will be lifted, but masking may still be required in limited and specific settings.

Kenney also says the move to Stage 3 means they will hold the draw for the “Open for Summer Vaccine Lottery” on Canada Day.

Registration is open for all Alberta aged 18 and over for a chance to win $1 million if they have received at least a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Registration closes June 24 at 11:59 p.m. Proof of vaccination will only be required to claim the prize.