Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy: What You Need to Know

As per the provincial government, Alberta is scheduled to slowly start returning to normal – with many services set to reopen as early as May 14th. While strict public health measures, physical distancing and hygiene practices will continue to be reinforced, Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy will focus on “gradually reopening businesses, resuming activities and getting people back to work.”

Here’s what to expect:

Conditions for Relaunch 

The province’s relaunch plan is divided into three phases: The Current Situation, Stage 1 and Stage 2 (with a further Stage 3, depending). According to authorities, the following conditions much be in place for stage 1 to begin:

• Enhancement of nation-leading testing capacity
• Comprehensive contact tracing (aided by technology) as a means of notifying people who have been exposed
• Isolation support for those who test positive to stop the spread
• Stronger airport screening and international border controls
• Implementation of rules for mask use in crowded spaces (i.e. public transit)
• Reinforced protection for those who are most vulnerable (long-term and continuing care, seniors’ lodges, etc.)
• Rapid response plan in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak

Relaunch Stages 

Keep in mind, the following stages may vary according to current COVID-19 conditions. Current cases will be monitored to help direct proactive responses in and around the province.

The Current Situation

May 1

• Boat launch access in Provincial Parks
• Vehicle access to parking lots/staging areas on public lands and parks

May 2

• Golf courses open, however pro shops and clubhouses to remain closed for the time being (to be reopened in Stage 1)

May 4

• Non-urgent surgeries to resume as per Alberta Health Services
• Regulated health-care workers including dental professionals, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, social workers, audiologists, speech pathologists, dieticians, occupational therapists, etc., may resume services under approved guidelines

May 14 

• Alberta Parks’ online campground reservation system to be opened for bookings at select campgrounds, effective June 1st (some restrictions, no out-of-province bookings)

For more information, see Alberta Parks Response to COVID-19

Stage 1

Stage 1 will begin as early as May 14th, only under the approval of Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. Mask use is still strongly recommended in areas where physical distancing is difficult to observe (i.e. transit).

Lifted restrictions are scheduled to include: 

• Additional scheduled surgeries and dental procedures
• Daycare and out-of-school care, with capacity limits
• Cafes, pubs, restaurants and bars up to a 50% seating capacity (some restrictions)
• Some retailers including clothing, furniture, bookstores, etc. 
• Some personal services including hair stylists
• Post-secondary methods (online, in-person or both) to continue with some restrictions
• Farmers’ markets
• Additional outdoor recreation areas (some restrictions)
• Museums and art galleries
• Summer camps, with capacity limits

Continuing restrictions: 

• In-school classes for K-12 students
• Gatherings of more than 15 people, with groups of 15 or under continuing to maintain physical distancing and other public health protocols
• Public events requiring close physical contact (sporting events, concerts, business conferences, festivals, etc.)
• Continued closure of recreation centres, movie theatres, gyms, pools, spas, arenas and nightclubs
• Limited visitation in health care facilities

Stage 1 recommendations: 

• Emphasis on remote work
• Non-essential travel will continue to be discouraged

Lifted restrictions are scheduled to include: 

• K-12 schools (some restrictions)
• Additional scheduled surgeries (and backlog elimination)
• Larger gatherings (numbers TBD)
• Further personal services including aesthetics, skin and body treatments, manicures and pedicures, massage, reflexology, tanning, etc.
• Libraries (some restrictions)
• Movie theatres and regular theatres (some restrictions)
• Cafes, pubs, restaurants and bars to continue operating at a reduced seating capacity

Continuing restrictions:

• Public events requiring close physical contact (sporting events, business conferences, concerts, festivals, etc.)
• Continued closure of recreation centres, gyms, pools, arenas and nightclubs
• Limited visitation in health care facilities

Stage 2 recommendations: 

• Non-essential travel will continue to be discouraged

Stage 3

Stage 3 will be dependent on the success of Stages 1 and 2, with timing to be determined and some restrictions to remain in place.

Lifted restrictions are scheduled to include: 

• A full reopening of businesses and services (some restrictions)
• Larger gatherings permitted (numbers TBD)
• Public events including sporting events, concerts, business conferences, festivals, etc., permitted (some restrictions)
• A re-opening of recreation centres, gyms, pools, arenas, and nightclubs (some restrictions)
• No restrictions on non-essential travel

Continuing restrictions: 

• Physical distancing

For more detailed information on our province’s response to COVID-19, we encourage you to visit Alberta.ca. 

We’re Here to Help 

As an essential service, the Terry Paranych Real Estate Group is pleased to report we’re still open for business. While we will be adhering to social distancing recommendations to ensure your health and safety, we would be happy to meet virtually or on the phone to answer any questions you have about buying or selling your home. To learn more, see our previous post: Home Buying and Selling During COVID-19, or reach out to us!

 Photo credits: Shutterstock.com

Categorised in: Lifestyle

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group