Wednesday, February 9, 2022 Vol. 45, No. 6
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Alberta easing public health measures effective immediately REP discontinued; March 1 set for elimination of mask mandates if hospitalization rates continue to decline Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter
Effective midnight, Tuesday, Feb. 7, many public health restrictions will be removed, including the REP program, in stage one of a threestage plan for Alberta. Premier Jason Kenney, Health Minister Jason Copping, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw made the announcement late Tuesday afternoon. Kenney said the COVID Cabinet committee approved “this careful and prudent plan for removing public health restrictions.” Kenney said that the province had passed the peak of Omicron a few weeks ago, and that the rate of hospitalizations have been declining, as have active case numbers. He also made note that in 40 per cent of hospital admissions of those with COVID-19, the infection was incidental to the reason individuals were hospitalized. Kenney said the Province would be keeping Public Health measures in place for only as long as necessary. He said that rising cases and hospitalization in August and September during the Delta wave were due to low vaccination rates, something that the province is not dealing with not. “The threat of COVID-19 to public health is no longer greater than the
danger to society of restrictions on public health. “Now is the time to begin learning to live with COVID-19.” Kenney noted that since public health measures and restrictions have been introduced, there have been measurable increases in mental health issues, particularly in youth, an increase in domestic violence, the failure of many businesses, and, at the start of the pandemic, record high unemployment figures. Kenney said that widespread uptake in vaccinations among Albertans have made these changes possible, and both he, Copping, and Hinshaw urged any Albertan to get their vaccinations, be it a first, second, or booster shot.” Kenney announced that restrictions would ease in three stages, the first beginning at midnight Tuesday. In the first stage, the Restriction Exemption Program (REP) will be discontinued immediately. In addition, restrictions on food and beverage consumptions at entertainment venues will be removed, while other restrictions will remain. “REP has served its purpose; its job is done,” Kenney said, indicating that it has served its purpose in increasing vaccination rates in the province. Capacity limits will be removed for all except large-capacity venues (those over 500 person capacity.)
Effective Monday, Feb. 14, there will be no masking requirements for children and youth 12 and under; and no masking for children and youth in grades K-12 in schools. Kenney said that trends will be closely monitored, and only if hospitalization numbers continue to go down, after three weeks, on March 1, most remaining restrictions will be lifted. This will include indoor masking mandate, work from home requirements, and the remaining restrictions for entertainment venues. When safe to do so, Kenney said, the Province will move to stage three, which will eliminate all remaining restrictions, Kenney said, including mandatory isolation requirements. He did not give a date for the final stage. Kenney said, “If we see a reversal in trends, we may have to pause,” adding, “we are determined to get back to normal. “I hope that today’s announcement gives a sense of optimism and hope to Albertans.” Kenney said for those thinking that the move to lessen restrictions is coming too soon, or too fast to look to other countries, specifically Britain, and what’s been happening there. “We are closely monitoring what other places are doing, but have no doubt this plan is based on the data
here in Alberta.” Kenney said that there is clear proof that vaccinations are the way forward in managing COVID-19. He noted that the COVID-19 death rate in unvaccinated persons compared to fully vaccinated persons is seven times higher, and in the case of those with a booster, 17 times higher. He said the time had come to lift restrictions, “Now that the overwhelming number of Albertans are protected.” He added, “Please continue to exercise good judgement. Do what’s best for you.” Hinshaw echoed that sentiment, saying we should all do what is best for ourselves and our families, and if that’s different for you than other people, to have patience and understanding for all different situations. Full details on what restrictions will remain in the first stage, will be posted at alberta.ca as well as details on stages two and three. Kenney said during his announcement, “None of this is an end to COVID-19. New variants will arrive, and we will still see times when cases are higher in the province. “We will likely also see times when there is additional pressure on hospitals, but restrictions, mandates, and those kinds of interventions will not and must not become a permanent feature of our lives.”