On May 14, 2020, Alberta implemented the first stage of the province's three-stage relaunch strategy, allowing some businesses to reopen and resume operation. However, the Government of Alberta announced that, under the first stage, businesses operating in Calgary and Brooks will be subject to a separate, staggered relaunch.

On May 25, 2020, businesses in Calgary and Brooks covered by Stage 2 of the staggered relaunch are able to reopen and resume operations. Such businesses include:

  • hair salons and barber shops; and
  • cafés, pubs, bars, and restaurants at 50% occupancy.

This second stage of Calgary's and Brooks' relaunch follows the reopening of retail businesses, daycares, and out-of-school care, museums and art galleries that took place, alongside the rest of the province, on May 14, 2020.

Stage 3 of Calgary's and Brooks' relaunch remains scheduled for June 1, 2020, where the remaining businesses covered in Stage 1 of Alberta's relaunch strategy will be able to reopen. This includes:

  • places of worship,
  • funeral services, and
  • day camps and summer schools with limits on occupancy.

All businesses able to resume operations under the relaunch strategy remain subject to and responsible for complying with the Province's guidelines, operations plans, and public health orders and legislation.

Stage 2 of Alberta's relaunch strategy is currently projected to proceed on June 19, 2020. However, the Government of Alberta has expressed that this date is not fixed, and that the Government is relying on the success of the first stage to determine appropriate steps in its launch of the next stages. Further, no announcements have been made with respect to whether certain areas of the province will again be subject to a phased approach of the relaunch strategy. Under the second stage, additional businesses will be able to reopen, including:

  • more personal services,
  • movie theatres and theatres,
  • allied health services, and
  • libraries.

The date of Stage 3 of the relaunch strategy remains yet to be determined.  Further, on May 28, 2020, the Premier announced that the State of Public Health Emergency is not intended to be renewed upon its end date of June 15, 2020.

Originally published 28-May-20

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