By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

enhanced measures

More non-essential businesses to close in Alberta, effective immediately

Mar 27, 2020 | 5:43 PM

The Government of Alberta will now enforce a greater range of mandatory closures in relation to COVID-19.

As announced by Premier Jason Kenney on Friday, all non-essential retail stores must now close.

This includes clothing, computer and gaming, hobby and toy, gift and specialty and furniture stores.

Also impacted are salons and barbershops, tattoo and piercing studios, and aesthetics and wellness studios and clinics.

The same goes for non-essential medical procedures such as dentistry, physiotherapy, massage, optometry and chiropractic services.

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“These are aggressive measures and we don’t take them lightly. We need to do everything we can to flatten the curve and keep people healthy,” says Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “I strongly encourage all Albertans to stay close to home as we are all in this together. Our collective action will protect our family, friends and neighbours.”

Dine-in service at restaurants is now completely off the table as well. Only take-out, delivery and drive-thru orders are permitted.

As for liquor establishments such as breweries and distilleries, take-out and delivery both remain allowed.

Furthermore, mass gatherings are now restricted to a maximum of 15 people, as opposed to the previous 50.

Violations are subject to the enhanced penalties announced Thursday.

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The full list of restrictions, and tips on how you can mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is available HERE.

(With file from CHAT News Today, Chris Brown)