Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Alberta is bringing in new health restrictions, but businesses and services can be exempt if they check patrons for government-issued proof of vaccination or a recent negative privately purchased COVID-19 test.
If a business or service chooses not to require proof of vaccination, they will be required to adhere to the new health measures.
“We are taking necessary and critical steps to prevent our health system from being overwhelmed and once again slow the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta," said Premier Jason Kenney in a news release.
"These steps are not easy for anyone, but with COVID-19 hospitalizations continuing to rise, particularly amongst the unvaccinated, we have no choice but to implement the proof of vaccination measures and temporary restrictions. We have overcome past COVID-19 waves and we will once again. I strongly urge anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so immediately. Please protect yourself, your loved ones and your community.”
The proof of vaccination program won't apply to those under 12 years of age or with documentation of a medical exemption.
The printable card, which was going to be made available on Sept. 16, will now be available on Sept. 19 through MyHealth Records.
The government has also declared a state of public health emergency.
More than 79.5 per cent of eligible Albertans are now protected with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 71.4 per cent are fully vaccinated.
A full list of restrictions and more information are available at www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
