Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Alberta is ending the Restrictions Exemption Program that requires patrons to show proof of vaccination at certain venues beginning Feb. 8 at 11:59 p.m.
This is step one of the UCP government鈥檚 plan to gradually lift health restrictions, despite vocal objections from the Opposition and other critics.
鈥淚t is clear that we passed the peak of Omicron infections three weeks ago and are now seeing the result as COVID-related hospital admissions are declining,鈥� Premier Jason Kenney said in a Feb. 8 announcement.
Kenney noted how a number of other jurisdictions had begun to ease restrictions.
The Restrictions Exemption Program was introduced last September when health-care capacity was under severe stress, with 90 per cent of ICU admissions among unvaccinated people.
Kenney said the program helped increase vaccination rates.
鈥淭he Restriction Exemption Program has served its useful purpose. It鈥檚 done it鈥檚 job. It is no longer leading to higher vaccination rates. In fact, we have seen our vaccination rates effectively frozen since early December.鈥�
Approximately 89.9 percent of the 12-plus population in Alberta has been vaccinated with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The government is also removing capacity limits on venues under 500 capacity, including libraries and places of worship.
Facilities with capacity of 500 to 1,000 will be limited to 500, while facilities with capacity of 1,000-plus will be limited to 50 per cent.
Food and beverage can now be consumed in seated audience settings for large events and entertainment venues.
Restrictions on closing times, alcohol service, table capacity in restaurants and interactive activities will remain in force.
As of Feb. 13 at 11:59 p.m., mandatory masking will end for children and youth in schools, and for youth aged 12 and under in any setting.
鈥淕iven the very low threat that COVID-19 poses to the health of children, it is no longer justifiable after two long years to continue to disrupt and restrict the normal lives of kids,鈥� Kenney said.
鈥淚t is time to let kids be kids.鈥�
On March 1, the province will begin step two, which will remove the provincial mask mandate, limits on social gatherings and all capacity limits.
It will also remove the mandatory work from home, screening prior to youth activities and any remaining provincial school requirements, including cohorting.
Step three would remove COVID-specific measures in continuing care and mandatory isolation would become a recommendation only.
This would be dependent on hospitalization rates continuing to trend downwards.
NDP Health Critic David Shepherd was critical of the announcement, accusing Kenney of lifting restrictions in response to the illegal border blockade.
鈥淭ime and time again, this Premier acts last and acts least at every step of the pandemic,鈥� said NDP Health Critic David Shepherd in a statement.
鈥淲here he will act first is when it comes to trying to save his political career. His leadership vote is pending and as a result he, and the entire UCP, are allowing an illegal blockade to dictate public health. That is cowardly.鈥�
