Alberta leaves 'essential services' out of restriction exemption program
With new public health restrictions coming into effect Monday, Alberta’s government released new information to clarify its restriction exemption program.
Announced on Wednesday, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said due to the escalating COVID-19 situation, which he described as a “crisis of the unvaccinated,” the province would implement a way to check the immunization status.
The program will come into effect on Monday.
Initially the province announced all businesses could choose whether they would participate in the restrictions exemption program by checking for proof of vaccination or slash their capacity to one-third of fire code.
On Saturday, Alberta Health told CTV News that retail stores would no longer be eligible to participate in the exemption program – meaning even if they checked for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result, the business would need to abide by capacity limit restrictions.
- Retailers cut out of Alberta's vaccine program just days before changes take hold
- Bars and restaurants scramble to prepare for Alberta’s vaccine exemption program
- 'It's so unclear': Businesses groan over complicated measures, understand need for COVID rules
“Retail, shopping malls and food courts are not eligible for the Restrictions Exemption Program as public access is necessary for daily living,” the province’s website read.
“The program does not apply to businesses or entities that need to be accessed by the public for daily living purposes, including all retail locations.”
- 'Here we go again:' Albertans react to latest slate of COVID-19 health rules
- 'People are furious that it took so long': Alberta mayors react to latest COVID-19 measures
Businesses that cannot participate in the restriction exemption program includes:
- Shopping centres and malls
- All retail locations
- Libraries
- Hotels
- K-12 schools
- Post-secondary institutions
- Health services
- Food courts
Some businesses eligible to participate in the restriction exemption program are:
- Casinos
- Restaurants
- Bowling facilities
- Arcades
- Bingo halls
- VLT lounges
- Movie theatres
- Museums
- Art galleries
- Night clubs
- Recreation and fitness facilities
- Professional sporting or performance events (for spectators)
Albertans can access their vaccination record through MyHealth Records or a newly created “express system” where no account is needed.
- Looking for a vaccine card in Alberta? You won't need a MyHealth Records account after all
- Lack of worker vaccine requirement in Alberta a 'loophole,' says health law expert
Many people on social media quickly pointed out on Sunday that proof of vaccination cards generated by the express system and on MyHealth Records can easily be forged.
With files from CTV News Calgary’s Timm Bruch
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.