COVID-19, including closing contact businesses, dine-in restaurants and non-essential retail stores. | Stock photo
Non-essential retail stores, dine-in restaurants and 'contact businesses' like hair salons and wellness studios, have been ordered to close.
The Government of Alberta announced further restrictions today to try to stop the spread of COVID-19 as 55 new cases were announced in the province, bringing the total to 542.
鈥淭his was a difficult decision to make, but we must do everything we can to protect the safety of Albertans and limit the spread of COVID-19," said Premier Jason Kenny.
"Grocery stores, pharmacies, delivery services and other essential businesses will continue to provide Albertans with the goods and services they need, and we鈥檒l look to Alberta鈥檚 business leaders to find innovate ways to continue remote operations and protect jobs.
"These businesses must do everything they can to safeguard the well-being of the hardworking employees on the front lines.鈥�
Restrictions will be in place for the following classifications of business:
- Close contact businesses including hair salons and barbershops, tattoo and piercing studios, esthetic services, as well as wellness studios and clinics and non-emergency and non-critical health services provided by regulated health professionals or registered professionals including dentistry, physiotherapy, massage, podiatry, chiropractic and optometry services.
- Dine-in restaurants will no longer be able to offer dine-in service. Take-out and delivery services will continue to be available.
- Non-essential retail services that fall into the categories of clothing, computer and gaming stores, and services in shopping malls and shopping centres such as hobby and toys, gift and specialty items and furniture.
A more complete list of affected businesses is available .
In addition, people are banned from attending gatherings of more than 15 people, and they must observe two metres of social distancing. This includes:
- open spaces such as trails, fields and parks
- public and private gatherings where people are brought together in a single room or space at the same time, including funerals, weddings and other formal and informal events
Workplaces that have not been ordered to close can continue to have more than 15 workers on a worksite as long as those business maintain public health measures, including two metre social distancing, hygiene enforcement and processes that ensure that any person who is ill does not attend these spaces.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta, said: 鈥淭hese are aggressive measures and we don鈥檛 take them lightly. We need to do everything we can to flatten the curve and keep people healthy.
"I strongly encourage all Albertans to stay close to home as we are all in this together. Our collective action will protect our family, friends and neighbours.鈥�
Any business or organization not following the public health order will be subject to a fine. Courts have the power to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations.
If you are aware of any businesses violating these orders submit a complaint .
