New COVID-19 restrictions announced Dec. 21, 2021 may play a role in many Albertans New Year’s Eve plans this year.
The provincial government put the further restrictions on capacity limits this December on large venues as the Omicron COVID-19 variant becomes more prevalent in the province.
“With the increased transmission risk of Omicron, it is important that the overall number of people mixing in venues be limited and that attendees remain masked at all times,” said Minister of Health Jason Copping on December 21.
“As the premier said, we need to avoid super spreader events,” he said referring to Premier Jason Kenney.
The restrictions which took effect midnight Dec. 24, 2021 include:
• Any venue with more than 1,000 people will be subject to a 50 per cent capacity limit and venues with a capacity between 500 and 1,000 are capped at 500.
• Restaurants and bars are limited to 10 people per table.
• No dancing or billiards are permitted at restaurants and bars.
• Businesses participating in the Restrictions Exemption program need to stop alcohol service at 11 p.m. and close by 12:30 a.m.
While many who had to cancel New Year’s Eve plans in 2020 were looking forward to this year’s celebrations, it is looking like it will be a quite transition to the new year yet again in Alberta.
Many cities, including the city of Edmonton, have also cancelled their New Year’s Eve firework show.
When the restrictions were announced Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw stated that she expects the transmission of COVID-19 with the Omicron variant to, “rise to heights we have never seen before.”
“We are facing a significant and unknown threat. The next few weeks will be critical in determining what the new year will look like.”
shaela.dansereau@pipestoneflyer.ca
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