(Photo: The Canadian Press)

By rdnewsNOW staff

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Alberta declaring state of public emergency

Mar 17, 2020 | 12:39 PM

Premier Jason Kenney says Alberta is declaring a state of public health emergency.

As such, any gatherings of 50 or more people are to be cancelled immediately. This includes worship gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals.

Grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, the legislature and other essential services are not included.

Restaurants can remain open to customers, but are limited to a maximum of 50 people, or half their official capacity, whichever is lower. Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is permitted. Licensed facilities will also be permitted to deliver liquor.

Not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens and religious kitchens are exempt.

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All Albertans are prohibited from attending rec centres, casinos, fitness centres and entertainment facilities, as well as bars and nightclubs.

Kenney also announced $60 million for charities to help vulnerable Albertans during this time. The funding will be provided to adult homeless shelters, women’s emergency shelters and the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program, which supports municipalities and civil society organizations in providing services to vulnerable Albertans.

The province’s Emergency Operations Center has been elevated to Level 4.

“This is a serious moment in our history and COVID-19 will test all of us,” said Kenney, adding that he believes Albertans will be able to handle it.

“These measures are necessary if we are to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our province,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Our intention is to limit opportunities for disease transmission by limiting the amount of time Albertans are spending in large crowds and crowded spaces.

“All Albertans should take immediate action and follow all recommended public health measures. Protecting the health of Albertans is, and always will be, our top priority.”