Heading in Christmas, Kenney announces new COVID restrictions

Jason Kenney, along with Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping, and Chief Medical Officer Deena Hinshaw announced new measures to help combat the increasing spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Premier Kenney appealed to Albertans to follow the rules, "While these new measures will hopefully lower the risk at large events, our small everyday actions can have a big impact. This is why I appeal to all Albertans to reduce their number of contacts by half over the coming weeks, follow the guidelines already in place, and get the vaccine booster as soon as they are eligible. It’s the single most important thing anybody can do right now to protect themselves from Omicron."

The new measures take place on Christmas Eve at 12:01 AM.

For venues in the Restrictions Exemption Program – 50 per cent capacity limit at venues that seat more than 1,000 people. For venues with capacity of between 500 and 1,000 occupants, 500 is the limit.

No food or drink consumption in seated audience settings or during intermissions in the above-mentioned venues.

Maximum table capacity of 10 people in restaurants, pubs and bars. No mingling between tables.

Pubs and Bars will have to stop all activities as December 24th. Restaurants, pubs and bars must stop liquor service at 11 p.m., and close at 12:30 a.m.

Restrictions continue for both indoor and outdoor social gatherings, weddings, funerals, places of worship and businesses. Albertans should also refrain from workplace social gatherings.

Hinshaw said that now more than ever it was important for Albertans to follow public health measures, "While we are still learning about Omicron, we do know that it is highly transmissible – cases are currently doubling in a matter of days. Reducing contacts will not only slow the spread of Omicron, but it can help us gain valuable time to prepare for what is to come."

Albertans are also being asked to reduce their social contacts by 50 per cent during the holiday season.