Stage two of Alberta's relaunch strategy is starting sooner than expected.

On Tuesday (June 9), Premier Jason Kenney announced they would be launching a modified stage two on Friday (June 12), a full week before the previously estimated date.

This will include some services which initially were planned to stay closed until stage three.

"Albertans have demonstrated the care and common sense needed to move forward with our relaunch earlier than initially planned," said Kenney. "We will continue to move forward together to overcome any tough times ahead, but responsible Albertans should be proud of the vigilance they have shown to date.”

Current active cases in the province are reported to be 355, down nearly 70 per cent since stage one began on May 14. Hospitalization numbers have also remained low and less than half of the available ICU beds for COVID-19 patients are occupied. All these factors have led to the approval of launching stage two.

Public health guidelines will still be in place and residents must stay home and self-isolate if sick.

What can open in stage two:
- K-12 schools, for requested diploma exams and summer school, following guidance
- Libraries
- More surgeries
- Wellness services such as massage, acupuncture and reflexology
- Personal services (esthetics, cosmetic skin and body treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, facial treatment, artificial tanning)
- Indoor recreation, fitness, and sports, including gyms and arenas
- Movie theatres and theatres
- Community halls
- Team sports
- Pools for leisure swimming
- VLTs in restaurants and bars
- Casinos and bingo halls (but no table games)
- Instrumental concerts

Events and gatherings

Events and gatherings can be larger once stage two begins. The 50 per cent capacity limit for provincial campgrounds is being lifted. Indoor social gatherings can have a maximum of 50 people, while outdoor gatherings will be allowed up to 100 people.

Performers can have a cohort of up to 50 people and sports teams can play in region-only cohorts of up to 50 players.

There is no cap on group sizes for worship gatherings, restaurants, cafés, lounges and bars, casinos, and bingo halls.

Still not open

There are still some services which will stay closed. The success of stage two will determine when Alberta progresses to stage three.

"Protecting public health and safety stays Alberta's top priority," added Kenney.

What is remaining closed:
- Social gatherings that exceed above-listed maximums
- Regular in-school classes for kindergarten to Grade 12. Classes will resume in September
- Vocal concerts (as singing carries a higher risk of transmission)
- Major festivals and concerts, large conferences, trade shows and events (as these are non-seated social events and/or vocal concerts)
- Nightclubs
- Amusement parks
- Hookah lounges (permitted for food and drink only)
- Major sporting events and tournaments

Non-essential travel outside the province is not recommended. This recommendation will not be lifted until stage three of the relaunch strategy.