Alberta announces new restrictions including retail capacity lowered to 10% effective May 5, 2021

The Alberta government has announced a number of new mandatory health measures in an effort to address record high COVID-19 cases and an overburdened health-care system.

Impact to retail

Effective Wednesday, May 5, 2021, capacity for all retail stores is being further reduced from 15% to 10% of fire code occupancy.  Small footprint stores will be permitted to maintain their minimum of 5 customer capacity limit, regardless of size – if safe physical distancing can be accommodated.  

Over the past 24 hours, RCC advocated against an outright closure of any stores, as has occurred in other provinces, without the support of science and at great economic cost in many jurisdictions.

Curbside pick-up and delivery services are encouraged, and retailers must continue to maintain their strict commitment to safety protocols.

The new capacity limit, and other new measures apply generally across Alberta, with the exception of a few municipalities with limited active cases. 

Additional new measures

Effective Wednesday May 5, 2021, workplaces with the exception of essential and critical services, with transmission of three or more cases will be required by health officials to close for 10 days.  RCC has requested clarity on how retail stores and warehouse systems may be impacted, and we will provide this information once we receive it. 

As of 11:59 pm on Sunday, May 9, 2021, all patio and in-dining services will be prohibited, and restaurants must move to pick-up and delivery only.  Similarly, hair salons, tattoo parlors and other personal services must also close.

All K-12 schools will move to online classes on Friday, May 7, 2021 until Tuesday, May 25, 2021 impacting retail employees that may require childcare coverage.

The province has also committed to enhancing compliance to all health orders, including doubling the base fine for violating restrictions to $2,000 from $1000, and steps to address repeat offenders.

The new restrictions will remain in place for at least three weeks.