Albertans are slowly getting back to normal life.
The province announced a successful move into Stage 1 of its reopening plan Tuesday. The threshold for that step was at least 50 per cent of Albertans with one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and hospitalizations under 800 and declining was hit on May 18 and the two-week waiting period ended June 1.
About 53 per cent of Albertans had at least one dose of the vaccine as of Monday.
“This is the first, cautious step in reopening Alberta and getting back to doing the things we love,” Premier Jason Kenney said in a press release.
“We are able to move forward thanks to the more than 2.4 million Albertans who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and all those who continue to follow the public health guidance in place.”
Outdoor gatherings can now have up to 10 people and outdoor patio dining resumed with a maximum of four people per table– all of which have to be from the same household or two close contacts if living alone.
Outdoor physical and recreational activities can resume with up to 10 people socially distanced, for all ages. Wedding ceremonies are allowed 10 people, and funerals can have no more than 20.
Retail can increase up to 15 per cent capacity and personal and wellness services also re-opened Tuesday.
According to the release, based on the current pace of vaccinations and decreasing hospitalizations, Stage 2 is expected to begin on June 10. To hit that mark, hospitalizations need to be below 500 and declining and 60 per cent of Albertans have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.