Thread by @KevinCTV

We are just a few minutes from learning about Alberta's plan to ease restrictions. We're expecting to hear from Premier Kenney, and Ministers Shandro and Schweitzer, but not Dr. Hinshaw.

calgary.ctvnews.ca/premier-to-ann…

BREAKING: Alberta's reopening plan will happen in three stages, starting two weeks after 50% of Albertans age 12+ recieved at least one dose of vaccine, and hospitalizations are below 800 and declining.

That means restrictions will begin to lift on June 1.

Stage 2: Two weeks after 60% of Albertans age 12+ have received at least one dose of vaccine, and COVID-19
hospitalizations are below 500 and declining.

Stage 3: Two weeks after 70% of Albertans age 12+ have received at least one dose of vaccine.

Starting June 1:
- Outdoor social gatherings, with distancing, increase to up to 10 people.
- Outdoor patio dining can resume with a maximum of four people per table
- Outdoor physical, performance and recreational activities are permitted with up to 10 distanced people
(1/2)

- Retail can increase to 15% of fire code occupancy
- Personal and wellness services can re-open, by appointment
- Wedding ceremonies may have up to 10 people
- Funeral ceremonies may have up to 20 people, not including
(2/2)

Stage 2:
- Outdoor social gatherings increase to 20 people
- Wedding and funeral ceremonies may occur with up to 20 attendees (outdoor only)
- Restaurants may seat tables with up to six people, indoors or outdoors
- Retail capacity increases to 1/3 of fire code occupancy
(1/4)

- Capacity for places of worship increases to 1/3 of fire code
- Gyms and other indoor fitness open for solo and drop in activities with 3 metre distancing between participants.
- Indoor settings (movie theatres, libraries) open with up to 1/3 of fire code occupancy
(2/4)

- Indoors and outdoors youth and adult sports resume with no restrictions
- Youth activities such as day camps and play centres may resume
- Personal and wellness services can resume walk-in services
- Post-secondary institutions can resume in-person learning
(3/4)

- The work from home order is lifted but still recommended
- Outdoor fixed seating facilities (e.g., grandstands) can open with 1/3 seated capacity.
- Public outdoor gatherings increase to 150 people
- Distancing and masking requirements remain in effect
(4/4)

Stage 3:
- All restrictions lifted, including the ban on indoor social gatherings
- Isolation requirements for confirmed cases of COVID-19 and some protective measures in continuing care settings remain

And, this announcement comes with a new sign:

"Best Alberta summer ever," Premier Kenney says, after weeks of downgrading our summer prospects from "best" to "decent."

The Premier is highlighting that the Stampede will happen this year (starting July 9)

Today, 58% of all eligible Albertans have received one dose. We are 76,000 doses short of 60%.

Premier Kenney says we will likely hit that goal by tomorrow. That means we could hit stage 2 on June 10th.

BREAKING: Kenney says ALL restrictions could be lifted by June 28th (phase 3).

That is (BY FAR) the fastest reopening plan in the country.

"This is our chance. Alberta's open for summer plan puts the power in the hands of each and every Albertan," Kenney says.

"Albertans never back down from a challenge," he adds.

Alberta is extending eligibility for the small business grant to June 30.

alberta.ca/sme-relaunch-g…

Questions!

@BillFortierCTV asks: why isn't the reopening plan regional, with High Level at 11.3% vaccinated.

Answer: Kenney says he thinks it's closer to 20% (it's not). He says AHS will make efforts to remove barriers for people in under-vaccinated communities.

Kenney says he doesn't want to "punish" people in communities who aren't getting vaccinated as quickly.

Q: What will CFL stands look like this summer?
A: If we hit the targets, full capacity in the stands by July.

Q: Why is reopening only tied to first doses, not second?

A: Kenney blames the feds for slow vaccine shipments, says Dr. Hinshaw says first doses are effective enough for reopening.

Q: Are you concerned about Alberta hospitals ended up like Manitoba's, where sick people are being flown to other provinces.

A: no. Kenney says there is capacity in Alberta, and reopen plan is "slow and measured."

"One of the advantages of Canada being a bit late to the party on vaccines is we have been able to monitor the real world examples from other jurisdictions," Kenney says.

He mentions Texas, Florida, U.K., and Israel as jurisdictions they have studied.

Premier Kenney says 14% of Albertans are protected through antibodies due to having had COVID-19. He calls the protection "strong".

Q from @sunrickbell. What will the Stampede look like?

A: If we hit the targets, everything will be allowed. Kenney says he has asked his staff to plan a Premier's pancake breakfast.

"I'd love to be in the griddle rental business in Calgary today," Kenney says.

Kenney says he has worked with Ottawa to get relaxations to quarantine requirements for rodeo performers to get over the border.

Kenney says the indoor mask mandate will be lifted in late June or Early July (Stage 3). He says masks will still be required in hospitals. He says he hopes cities follow the province's lead and don't introduce their own rules.