Alberta fully moves to Step 2 of easing COVID restrictions

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• All retail services and shopping malls must limit customer capacity to 25 per cent of fire code occupancy, not including staff. This is an increase from 15 per cent.
• Curbside pickup, delivery and online services are encouraged.

Youth sports and recreation

• There is no change to the restrictions around youth sport and recreation.
• The Step 1 restrictions around youth sports and recreation have been expanded to include members of college and university athletic programs:
  • Lessons, practices and physical conditioning activities are allowed.
  • Games are not allowed.
  • Maximum of 10 total individuals, including all coaches, trainers and participants.
  • Physical distancing must be maintained between participants at all times.
  • Participants must be masked at all times, except during the training activity.

Banquet halls, community halls, conference centres and hotels

• These facilities can now open for all activities permitted under Step 1 and Step 2.
• This includes hosting virtual meetings/conferences/events, permitted performance activities, wedding ceremonies with up to 10 individuals, and funeral services up to a maximum of 20 individuals.
• Wedding receptions, funeral receptions or trade shows are not permitted.

Performance activities

• Individuals or groups can now rehearse and perform in preparation for filming or live streaming a performance, provided they adhere to public health guidance.
• For adult performers and performance groups (over the age of 18), the following activities are permitted:
  • Individual performers or performance groups (up to a maximum of 10 individuals) can access facilities for rehearsals or filming/virtual broadcasting.
  • Larger indoor film and other performances will be allowed provided there is no audience and subject to an approved plan that follows strict new guidance, including regular lab-based PCR testing.
• No in-person audiences are allowed for any type of performance.
• Masks are required and three-metre physical distancing must be maintained at all times.
• For children and youth, performance activities are permitted provided they follow the same requirements set out for youth sport, performance and recreation activities in Step 1:
  • Up to a maximum of 10 individuals with three-metre distancing between all participants.
  • No spectators or in-person audiences are allowed for any type of performance.
  • Masks are mandatory at all times.
  • Includes lessons and practices.
  • Includes youth development activities such as Scouts, Girl Guides and 4-H.
• Performance activities include dancing, singing, theatre and playing instruments.

“We continue striking a safe balance between easing restrictions and preventing cases from rapidly rising once again,” said Shandro. “Proven health measures remain in place in all sectors, and we must all do our part to keep each other safe and continue driving hospitalizations downward.”

A decision on moving to Step 3 of Alberta’s four-step reopening plan will come no sooner than March 22, Shandro said. Step 3 could commence if hospitalizations as of that time sit at 300 or lower, and are declining.

“COVID-19 remains a serious health threat, and variants of concern can spread more easily if given the chance,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health. “Until we have more vaccine for our population, it is essential that every Albertan continues to be the vaccine for each other.”

As of March 7, there are 227 active cases of COVID-19 in Grande Prairie.