Alberta government declares state of public emergency over COVID-19
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – The Alberta government has declared a state of public emergency over the growing concerns of the coronavirus.
Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement during a press conference Tuesday afternoon.
This means non-essential services and public spaces will be closed until further notice.
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Health care facilities, the Alberta legislature, grocery stores and homeless shelters are immune to this order.
Sit down restaurants are also allowed to stay open with no more than 50 people or half their occupancy rates.
Kenney also says any organized gathering of over 50 people are cancelled.
Albertans are prohibited from attending basically ANY public space that isn't essential.
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 17, 2020
The Alberta government also announced and additional $60 million to address vulnerable people.
Half of that money will go to shelters for the homeless population and women’s facilities.
Money will also be given to seniors and other vulnerable people.
Kenney added the Emergency Operations Centre is now at now at level four which is the highest level.