This afternoon (Apr.30), Premier Jason Kenney announced Alberta’s relaunch strategy. 

It’s been 56 days since the first presumptive case was reported in Alberta on March 5. 

Premier Kenney observed that the losses have been hard, and there is more to come. We’ll be grieving the losses and effects of pandemic for the rest of our lives. It will take so much work to recover, but today we can look towards the future and relaunch.  

Kenney says that we have achieved our primary goal of flattening the curve to help our health care system. Thanks to the decisions and sacrifices Albertans have made, we are in a strong position to relaunch. 

He reminds Albertans to stay vigilant and continue with our social distancing and hygiene practices.  

The relaunch plan involves a gradual reopening in stages, the first of which Kenney hopes to begin on May 14.  

Some restrictions are lifting much sooner. On Monday, May 4, some scheduled, non-urgent surgeries, some allied health services, including dental and physiotherapy, and religious services and funerals with existing restrictions will be allowed. Vehicle restrictions to provincial parks are being lifted tomorrow, along with the opening of a number of boat launches. Alberta Parks’ online reservation system will be available May 14 to book site visits beginning June 1. Golf courses can open on May 4, with restrictions including keeping clubhouses and pro shops closed.

In stage one, retail services, hair styling and barbers, daycares, restaurants, cafes, lounges and bars (at 50% occupancy), museums and art galleries, additional outdoor recreation, and additional allied health services will be able to open up with some restrictions and social distancing protocols in place. 

Stage two includes the opening of personal services, massage and reflexology, summer camps, post-secondary institutions with restrictions, potential of K-12 schools with restrictions, movie theatres with restrictions and additional elective surgeries.  

Stage three includes the opening of swimming pools, gyms, and arenas, nightclubs, industry conferences, arts and cultural festivals and major sporting events, all with restrictions.  

The mass gathering restriction of 15 will stay in place, though it is expected this will increase to 50 overtime.  

A number of safeguards will be in place as the plan is implemented. These include increasing our testing capacity, contact tracing, supporting those who have tested positive, border controls, guidelines for mask use in crowded places, protecting the vulnerable, especially those in long-term care, and keeping outbreak response in place.  

“I’m confident Albertans will approach relaunch with the same adaptability and resilience they have shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We will move forward together with care and common sense, knowing tough times are still ahead. We will support and protect vulnerable Albertans and keep them safe as we build our province back up one stage at a time.” says Jason Kenney. 

This plan will develop overtime and will be adjusted as needed. 

Read the full details of the relaunch strategy here

Watch the conference here: