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Lockdown of bars, gyms, salons; provincial mask mandate among new COVID-19 restrictions

Last Updated Dec 9, 2020 at 6:20 am MDT

EDMONTON – Albertans are heading into a second major shutdown–similar to what we saw in the spring–of bars, lounges, restaurants, and casinos.

Premier Jason Kenney, Health Minister Tyler Shandro, and Minister of Jobs, Innovation and the Economy Doug Schweitzer joined Dr. Deena Hinshaw for her daily update Tuesday to announce a series of new restrictions.

Fitness centres, swimming pools, salons, and massage therapy businesses will also be forced to close.

Restaurants and pubs must close to dine-in service but food pick up and delivery will be allowed to carry on.

Retailers and shopping malls will be allowed to remain open but at 15 per cent capacity. They are currently allowed to operate at 25 per cent of store capacity.

Premier Jason Kenney said malls are to be used only for those who are actually shopping and malls are not to be used as a gathering place for people looking to socialize.

WATCH: Kenney, Hinshaw provide Alberta’s provincial health update

Places of worship will also be reduced to 15 per cent capacity.

Restrictions in schools will remain the same and limits on personal gatherings will be extended through the holiday season. Outdoor gatherings are no longer allowed.

As for Christmas family get-togethers, Kenney asks Albertans to limit holiday gatherings to members of their own household or two close contacts for those who live alone.

A provincial mask mandate for all indoor public spaces and workspaces will be put into effect immediately, as will bans on gatherings.

Other measures will be put into effect Sunday.