By Canadian Press

Next phase could start as early as march 1

Health minister says it’s safe to move forward with Alberta’s reopening plan

Feb 19, 2021 | 9:21 AM

EDMONTON – Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro says he believes it’s safe to move forward with the province’s staged reopening plan as COVID-19 case numbers trend downward.

Alberta reported 415 new infections in its latest update, a much-improved situation from late last year when there were some days with more than 1,800 new cases.

But Shandro acknowledged on Thursday that new, more contagious COVID-19 variants are worrisome and there is now a team of 50 experienced investigators dedicated to tracking them.

The next phase of Alberta’s staged reopening plan could start as soon as March 1 and includes the potential easing of restrictions on banquet halls, indoor fitness and retail.

The threshold to get there is having fewer than 450 COVID-19 patients in hospital and there are currently 362.

Prevention, Access, Recovery, and Coordination

Safe Harbour officially hands over shelter keys, establishes accessible navigation hub

9h ago

lacombe and sylvan lake

December 2025 (un)employment data released for Alberta sub-regions

11h ago

21 years with WCPS

Darcy Blum appointed principal of Lacombe Outreach School

12h ago

Shandro says Alberta now has 2,300 contact tracers who are able to reach positive cases within a day and that in January alone they closed more than 21,000 files.

(The Canadian Press)