By Shane Clausing

covid-19

Province of Alberta announces state of public emergency amid COVID-19 outbreak

Mar 17, 2020 | 3:25 PM

The Province of Alberta has announced a state of public emergency amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Premier Jason Kenney spoke to media Tuesday afternoon at the Alberta Legislature to announce the decision.

“Around the world, a variety of directive measures are being implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19. The situation is very serious, and we are taking action more effectively to protect Albertans about this pandemic. Last night we held a meeting of our emergency management committee of cabinet, which authorized me to use all powers necessary to keep all Albertans safe. That’s why today I’m announcing that Alberta is declaring a state of public emergency in response to COVID-19,” said Kenney.

The state of public emergency means:

• Mass gatherings are now limited to no more than 50 attendees. This includes worship gatherings and family events such as weddings. Grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, the legislature and other essential services are not included.

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• To limit the amount of time Albertans are spending in large crowds and crowded spaces, all Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreational facilities and private entertainment facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres, children’s play centres, casinos, racing entertainment centres, and bingo halls.

• Sit-down restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, food courts and other food-serving facilities, including those with a minors-allowed liquor license, are limited to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 50 people. Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is permitted. Licensed facilities will also be permitted to deliver liquor.

• At this time, not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens, and religious kitchens are exempt, but sanitization practices are expected to be in place and support will be in place for this practice.

• Until further notice, all Albertans are restricted from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are prohibited by law.

Municipalities, charitable and non-profit organizations providing social services support will immediately see $60 million to support their COVID-19 response.

The funding will be provided to adult homeless shelters, women’s emergency shelters and the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program, which supports municipalities and civil society organizations in providing services to vulnerable Albertans.

The cabinet also announced approved a range of emergency economic measures that the province could announce as soon as tomorrow.

The Provincial Operations Centre has also moved to level four of emergency preparedness.

“I recognize that these measures will have a profound impact on the lives of Albertans, but they’re frankly necessary in the face of this growing pandemic. We have committed to ensuring Albertans will have all of the guidance and support that they need to meet this unprecedented moment in our history,” said Kenney.

Kenney also went onto ensure Albertans that they are in good hands.

“The entire government of Alberta is totally focused on dealing with this crisis. This is a serious moment in our history and COVID-19 will test all of us. I know that this province is resilient, and we are ready for the test. I have full confidence in our public health and safety officials, and we will continue doing everything in our power to contain the outbreak and keep Albertans safe,” said Kenney .