What’s open and what’s not? Changes start taking place today

By Medicine Hat News on June 1, 2021.

What’s open and what’s not changes again today for Albertans as the province enters Stage 1 of its reopening plan – but restaurants, public buildings and recreation facilities are still offering limited service, or in the case of indoor offerings, not at all.

Notably, fitness facilities are not captured in today’s changes.

The YMCA of Medicine Hat told members Monday in a notice that outdoor offerings are continuing, but they expect both the downtown and Southridge locations to open to the public in Stage 2, expected in mid-June.

At that point regular memberships will be reactivated.

The Town of Redcliff posted the June schedule for its outdoor aquatics centre on the town’s website.

The City of Medicine Hat has advertised Hill Pool for private bookings of members of one household, and two weeks ago opened outdoor spray parks, but didn’t have more news on indoor activities on Monday.

According to Alberta Health Services, outdoor social gatherings and recreation activities can proceed as of June 1 with up to 10 people while social distancing is practised.

Indoor gatherings are not permitted, though capacity limits are in effect for funerals (20 people) and weddings (10 people).

This past weekend, religious services were allowed to host up to 15% of fire code capacity, and the same limit is now in place on retail businesses.

Restaurants and bars may again welcome customers for outdoor and patio dining in groups of four people from same household or close contacts of singles.

Personal wellness services are again open by appointment only.

In Stage 2, which would open two weeks after 60% of Albertans are vaccinated, the capacity limits on outdoor social gatherings, indoor church services and retail shopping would essentially double.

Indoor fitness activities could proceed (with safe practises in place). Restaurants could reopen indoor dining rooms to groups of six, and walk-in service could resume for hairstylists and other personal services.

Up to 150 people could gather for concerts and festivals, and outdoor seating such as grandstands could operate at one-third capacity.