The government of Alberta is declaring a state of public health emergency over COVID-19.
Premier Jason Kenney announced on Tuesday additional measures to help prevent the spread of the virus.
This includes restricting residents from going to bars and nightclubs, limiting sit-down restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, and food courts to 50 per cent capacity or at most 50 people, and barring people from using public recreational facilities and private entertainment facilities.
Gyms, swimming pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres, children’s play centres, casinos, racing entertainment centres, and bingo halls are being closed for the time being.
“This is an unprecedented moment in our history and decisive action is needed, said Kenney, in a release. “We recognize that these measures will have a profound impact on the lives of Albertans, but they are necessary in the face of this growing pandemic.”
This is added to a growing list of measures the province has already taken such as closing classes in all schools and canceling all large gatherings.
As of right now, grocery stores, health centres, and food delivery aren’t affected.
“These measures are necessary if we are to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our province,” added Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Our intention is to limit opportunities for disease transmission by limiting the amount of time Albertans are spending in large crowds and crowded spaces. All Albertans should take immediate action and follow all recommended public health measures.
Meanwhile, Alberta’s Provincial Operations Centre is also being elevated from a level 3 to a level 4, the highest level.
