Kenney declares a state of public health emergency

Alberta premier Jason Kenney announced new restrictions at a press conference on Tuesday.

The Premier announced that there were 16 more deaths on Tuesday, bringing the total number related to the coronavirus to 492 since March. The Premier says beginning Friday (and effective for three weeks) new measures will take effect across the entire province to hopefully help limit the spread of the virus.

These measures include no indoor social gatherings, outdoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people, likewise, attendance at weddings and funerals will be limited to 10. Attendance will be capped at places of worship to one-third capacity with all attendees being masked. Banquet halls, conference centres and concert venues will be closed, as well as kids’ playgrounds, and all team sporting events.

Businesses can remain open with restrictions; restaurants, bars, pubs, and lounges will be subject to enforce a maximum of six people per table from the same household – with no movement between tables. If you live alone you can dine with two other people who are close contacts.

Retail business can remain open but at 25% capacity only.

Hair salons and personal services will remain open by appointment only.

As for schools our premier says beginning November 30th all Grade 7-12 students will be shifted to at home learning with Christmas break starting Dec. 18. In person learning will be delayed until January 11, 2021.

Those who break the rules could be subject to fines with Peace officers being commissioned to deliver fines of $1000 and up to $100,000 through the courts.