Premier Jason Kenney: “We must learn to live with COVID”

The province’s proof-of-vaccine program is officially over as of midnight last night.

Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement Tuesday night when updating the province’s COVID restrictions, first removing the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) during Step 1.

That essentially means Albertans won’t need to show their vaccination status QR codes to enter certain businesses as was required before.

“The threat of COVID-19 no longer outweighs the damage of restrictions. We must learn to live with COVID,” Kenney said, adding the REP served its purpose and vaccination rates remain static.

“Our approach to covid must change as the disease changes.”

A phased approach

Also in this step, capacity limits in large facilities and entertainment venues (500+) remain in place, but food and beverages are now allowed in seats.

Mandatory masking requirements have been removed for children 12 and under in all settings as of Feb. 14 and children and youth in schools for any age.

Alberta will enter Step 2 starting on Mar. 1 if hospitalizations are trending downwards. At that time, there will be more restrictions lifted, including capacity limits on all large venues and entertainment venues, indoor and outdoor social gathering limits, and mandatory work-from-home requirements. Additionally, indoor masking will no longer be required.

The timeline for Alberta entering Step 3 is to be determined and will depend on hospitalization rates continuing to trend downward. COVID-specific continuing care measures would be removed as well as mandatory isolation.

The reaction

Madame Premier founder Sarah Elder-Chamanara, a vocal proponent of the REP, is disappointed about the announcement.

“A rush to remove all COVID safety precautions is the UCP’s second attempt at a ‘best summer ever,’” she says, adding the province’s vaccination rates remain the lowest in the country.

“And those under five who remain ineligible for a vaccine. We have forgotten some of the most vulnerable segments of society and it’s extremely tragic. It didn’t need to be this way.”

Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce says the immediate removal of pandemic measures and restrictions “ignores the importance of consumer confidence in our economic recovery.”

“While policies must adapt to our changing context, tools such as the REP and masking remain critical to ensuring people feel comfortable dining at restaurants, attending sporting and entertainment events, engaging in group physical activities and going to work,” she said in a statement.

“While the time will come for pandemic measures to sunset, the removal of REP is akin to ripping the Band-aid off before the wound has healed.”

Yedlin believes lifting the restrictions this early and sudden could lead to several unintended consequences.

“Businesses that rely on discretionary spending may see a decline in revenue as consumers choose to stay home and minimize the potential for exposure,” she said.

“Industries and public services that rely on front-line employees are already facing severe labour shortages – and jeopardizing the comfort and safety of staff is likely to exacerbate these challenges.”

The city’s response

Mayor Jyoti Gondek held a press conference immediately after the announcement, saying the city was given a preview of the changes before they were made.

Gondek told reporters that the city will follow suit, lifting the Vaccine Passport Bylaw as of midnight last night, even though she still has concerns.

“We need time to digest this as we are all processing what this means for us… I’m going to ask Calgarians to do what they’ve regularly done and that’s been kind and compassionate to each other,” she said.

The Face Covering Bylaw will not be affected by this change. A face covering or mask will still be required for everyone over two years of age in indoor public spaces and public vehicles.

The removal of the Restrictions Exemption Program means proof of vaccination, negative test or medical exemption will no longer be required to access City facilities or businesses and organizations covered under the bylaw effective February 9.

Here is the full announcement and what it means for Albertans.

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