Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced late Thursday afternoon that the phased relaunch of the province’s economy with some businesses and services reopening on May 14 after being shut down by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
“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,” said Kenney in a statement.
The government said Alberta Health Services will resume some scheduled, non-urgent surgeries as soon as May 4. Dental and other health-care workers, such as physiotherapists, speech language pathologists, respiratory therapists, audiologists, social workers, occupational therapists, dieticians and more, will be allowed to resume services starting May 4, as long as they are following approved guidelines set by their professional colleges.
“There are signs that our collective efforts of physical distancing, good hygiene practices, and staying home when advised are helping to slow the spread. However, we must guard against complacency and be patient to ensure the sacrifices we have already made to contain the virus are not wasted by carelessness as we gradually reopen businesses and services,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health.
Full details of the three stage approach to the relaunch and what businesses and services will open when can be found here.
