Alberta is launching Stage 2 of its coronavirus recovery plan on Friday..But the province is doing so well, Premier Jason Kenney said some things that were planned for Stage 3, like the opening of gyms, would also be allowed to go ahead on Friday..“Albertans have demonstrated the care and common sense needed to move forward with our relaunch earlier than initially planned. Our data tells us our active cases are low, hospitalizations are trending downward and people are taking action to protect those most vulnerable and prevent the spread of the virus. We will continue to move forward together to overcome any tough times ahead, but responsible Albertans should be proud of the vigilance they have shown to date,” said Kenney..Current data from June 8 show only 355 active cases and 44 people in hospital across Alberta. This is a decrease of almost 70 per cent in active cases since May 14 – when the province began Stage One of the Alberta Relaunch Strategy. Alberta has performed more COVID-19 tests per capita than most other jurisdictions in the world..What can open Friday with restrictions.K-12 schools, for requested diploma exams and summer school, following guidanceLibrariesMore surgeriesWellness services such as massage, acupuncture and reflexologyPersonal services (esthetics, cosmetic skin and body treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, facial treatment, artificial tanning)Indoor recreation, fitness, and sports, including gyms and arenasMovie theatres and theatresCommunity hallsTeam sportsPools for leisure swimmingVLTs in restaurants and barsCasinos and bingo halls (but not table games)Instrumental concerts.The 50 per cent capacity limit for provincial campgrounds is also being lifted. .“More Albertans can now return to work and to the activities so many of us enjoy. However, I encourage you to do it safely. Think of the people in your life who may be at high risk from COVID-19 and protect all those around you as you would want your loved ones protected. Stay home if you are sick. Stay two metres apart and wear a non-medical mask if you can’t. Consider downloading the ABTraceTogether app, and wash your hands often,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health..Events and gatherings can be larger in stage two.Maximum 50 people:.Indoor social gatherings – including wedding and funeral receptions, and birthday parties.Maximum 100 people:.Outdoor events and indoor seated/audience events – including wedding and funeral ceremonies.No cap on the number of people (with public health measures and physical distancing in place):.Worship gatheringsRestaurants, cafés, lounges and barsCasinosBingo halls.Still not approved in Stage 2.Social gatherings that exceed above listed maximumsRegular in-school classes for kindergarten to Grade 12. Classes will resume September 2020Vocal concerts (as singing carries a higher risk of transmission)Major festivals and concerts, large conferences, trade shows and events (as these are non-seated social events and/or vocal concerts)NightclubsAmusement parksHookah lounges (permitted for food and drink only)Major sporting events and tournamentsNon-essential travel outside the province is not recommended. This recommendation will not be lifted until stage three of the relaunch strategy..Kenney said Albertans should be “very proud” COVID-19 rates have come down, especially in Calgary and Brooks where they had previously been high..He described the province as “bruised and grieving” the loss of 149 citizens from from virus..“We are beat up, but not broken…we are far better than most,” said Kenney..“We have to get Alberta working again.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter.com/nobby7694
