When will Alberta's COVID-19 restrictions end? 'Hopefully soon,' says Kenney
Premier Jason Kenney has expressed "guarded optimism" that Alberta will soon be able to reduce provincial COVID-19 health restrictions.
Currently, businesses that opt into the Restrictions Exceptions Program (REP) are required to ask for proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 test results or medical exceptions for patrons over 12.
They must also ensure masks are worn by patrons.
At restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, the REP forbids more than 10 people per table, limits interactive activities like dancing, darts and billiards, and prevents liquor service past 11 p.m. Venues are also required to close at 12:30 a.m.
"We're being asked, 'when do all of these restrictions and measures come to an end,'" Kenney said Thursday.
"And my answer is: hopefully soon, but we have to get past this Omicron."
Kenney said Alberta hasn't yet reached a peak in hospitalizations.
"We have to support our health care workers," he said.
"So if you're frustrated, I get it – we are all frustrated and tired of this thing, sick and tired of it."
"But please, in your frustration, think about the hospital workers who day by day are seeing more patients show up. They are working incredibly hard to keep people safe, to save lives, so lets be mindful of them," Kenney added.
"Just please continue to be diligent, be careful, think of our health care workers and let's just get through this."
For more information on Alberta' current public health restrictions, you can visit the Government of Alberta's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.