Photo: Government of Alberta

By Shane Clausing

thanksgiving warning

Provincial officials urging Albertans to follow COVID-19 rules ahead of Thanksgiving weekend

Oct 7, 2021 | 5:51 PM

During their Thursday COVID-19 update, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, Minister of Health Jason Copping and chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw urged Albertans to remain safe this Thanksgiving long weekend.

Premier Kenney says last year, the Thanksgiving long weekend is what sparked the second wave of COVID-19 in Alberta.

With the healthcare system already under lots of stress, he urges Albertans to follow the rules in place, as the system can’t afford to see another major spike in cases.

“We are seeing positive signs and positive trends with case numbers, the positivity rate, rate of transmission, the positivity rate coming down and hospitalizations coming down. That is good news, but it is still very early and those gains are very tentative,” he explained.

“They could all be lost overnight this weekend if Albertans do not carefully follow the guidelines we have put in place to protect our healthcare system which is still under severe stress.”

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Currently, the restrictions state that fully vaccinated people can only have indoor gatherings with up to 10 people who are also fully vaccinated and outdoor gatherings with 20 people.

Those people who are unvaccinated are not allowed to attend any private indoor or outdoor social gatherings.

“We ask that people who do not have the protection of vaccination not tempt fate and not put more pressure on our hospitals by socializing outside of their own household,” Kenney said.

“We have to get through this fourth wave,” said Minister Copping. “Please listen to the health orders, please make sure you keep your gatherings small if you are vaccinated.”

“If you are unvaccinated, celebrate (Thanksgiving) in your own home. The last thing we can afford is to have the numbers head in the wrong direction. The pressure is still there.”

Dr. Hinshaw reiterated that message.

“Let’s make our long weekend as small and distanced as possible. We can connect virtually where possible and outdoors if meeting in person. As disappointing and frustrating as this may be, it’s the reality of our current situation. Viral spread is still high, and our hospitals and healthcare workers are still under extreme pressure.”

As of October 6, there were 18,411 active COVID-19 cases in Alberta. There are 1,094 people in hospital and 248 in the ICU.

A specific list of COVID-19 restrictions implemented by the province can be found on their website.