As of Monday, January 18, some of Alberta’s COVID-19 restrictions will be eased.
In a public briefing on Thursday, January 14, Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced the upcoming changes.
The restrictions that will be adjusted include the outdoor gathering rules.
Come Monday, Albertans can gather outdoors in groups of up to 10 people as long as masks are worn and everyone stays at least two metres apart. Indoor gatherings are still prohibited.
In addition, personal and wellness services will be permitted to open.
These businesses include hair salons, aesthetics, reflexology, tattoo shops, etc.
The maximum number of people at funerals has also been bumped up to 20.
“This is our opportunity to give Albertans a little bit more freedom and the ability to do a few more activities in a safe way,” said Shandro.
He said that the lifting or easing of more COVID-19 health restrictions will come about if “we continue to see that downward trend in our hospitalization, ICU admissions, cases and positivity.”