FEBRUARY 2022

GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA ANNOUNCES PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES WILL BE LIFTED IN THREE STEPS

STEP ONE:

• Restrictions Exemption Program removed, along with most associated restrictions.
• Capacity limits in large facilities and entertainment venues (500+) remain in place, but food and beverages now allowed in seats.
• Capacity limits for locations not covered under the REP program are removed.
• Mandatory masking requirements removed for:
  • children 12 and under in all settings as of February 14
  • children and youth in schools for any age as of February 14

STEP TWO:

Alberta entered Step 2 starting on March 1.

• Any remaining school requirements removed (for example: Kindergarten to grade 6 cohorting).
• Youth screening activities for entertainment and sport activities removed
• Capacity on all large venues and entertainment venues lifted.
• Indoor and outdoor social gathering limits lifted.
• Mandatory work-from-home requirements lifted.
• Indoor masking no longer required.

STEP THREE:

The timeline for Alberta entering Step 3 is to be determined and will depend on hospitalization rates continuing to trend downward.

• COVID-specific continuing care measures removed.
• Mandatory isolation removed (becomes a recommendation only).

More information about these three steps can be found at:
https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx 

RESOURCES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Both the city and province have COVID-19 restrictions.

These changes are always big adjustments for businesses, and, in light of this, the City of Edmonton regularly updates a mask resource webpage specifically for businesses. This includes signage for you to easily print and post in your store/on your door, answers to general questions you may have, as well as answers to questions that customers may ask you.

Click the link below to access the City of Edmonton mask resource page for businesses. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Beverly Business Association.

https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/emergency_preparedness/masks-toolkit-for-businesses

Other helpful links:

• COVID-19 public health actions, including up to date information on:
  • the restrictions exemption program (REP)
  • business restrictions
  • gathering restrictions
  • elections, masks, schools and work from home
  • testing, tracing and isolating
  • https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx

• Biz Connect has reinstated its contact form. Biz Connect is prioritizing business-related inquiries related to the new public health restrictions and the REP.
  • Workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 will also be updated on Biz Connect website as information becomes available.
  • https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx

• COVID-19 info for Albertans (general information on vaccination rates, cases, etc.)
  • https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

SUPPORTING LOCAL:

This is a tricky time for all our businesses, as the pandemic has taken its toll financially and emotionally on the business sector. We encourage you to shop local, be kind to your local employees, and follow public health measures. Thank you for shopping local and supporting the Beverly business district!