COVID restrictions across the province are easing as Alberta begins Step One of the Open for Summer plan on Tuesday, June 1.
The province also announced on Saturday, May 29 that 60 per cent of eligible Albertans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, and hospitalizations have dropped below 500; if the trend continues for a two week period, the province could enter Stage Two of reopening as early as Thursday, June 10.
“I believe this plan is a prudent approach to re-opening, with Stage One prioritizing the easing of low-risk outdoor activities, and only proceeding to the next stage as thresholds are met and the two-week window ends,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, during the regular COVID update on Thursday, May 27.
As the Open for Summer plan comes into effect, businesses across the province-including restaurants for outdoor dining, retail stores, and personal and wellness services-are preparing to reopen amid the new easing of restrictions.
Wedding and funeral ceremonies are increasing capacity, up to 10 and 20 people respectively for each service, though receptions remain prohibited at this stage. Outdoor receptions are one of the restrictions which will be eased as part of Stage Two of the plan.
The Town of Drumheller has also reached its own milestone, with local active cases dropping to zero.
As of Monday, May 31 there are zero active cases and 467 recovered cases of COVID-19 for the Town of Drumheller. This includes 181 recovered cases at the Drumheller Institution. There are zero active cases in Starland County, 12 active cases in Wheatland County, and 19 active cases in Kneehill County.
