New Public Health Measures Announced
September 16, 2021

Dear Golf Industry Partners / Key Stakeholders,
 
Late yesterday, the Alberta Government declared a state of public health emergency and new health measures to take effect at 12:01 am on September 16 (today) and additional measures on September 20. Click here to read full details. Click here to read the full press release.

The Government also announced that a business or service who chooses to require proof of vaccination for entry and implements a program checking patrons for government-issued proof of vaccination or a recent negative privately purchased COVID-19 test will be able to have an exemption to restrictions (Restrictions Exemption Program).

If a business or service chooses not to require proof of vaccination, they will be required to adhere to the new health measures.
Public Health Measures | September 16
Effective immediately, the following public health measures are in place:

  • mandatory work-from-home unless the employer has determined a physical presence is required for operational effectiveness

  • masking and physical distancing is mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces

  • Employees must mask in all indoor work settings except while alone in work stations

  • Youth indoor group classes training and competitions are permitted but participants are required to: screen for symptoms, maintain 2 metres distancing (except youth while engaged in physical activity), and wear a mask (except youth while engaged in physical activity)

  • Spectator attendance at youth group classes training and competitions is restricted to 1/3 fire code capacity, attendees are limited to a single household or 2 close contacts if living alone and must be masked and maintain 2 metres physical distancing.

  • Youth outdoor activities can continue with no restrictions.

  • Fully outdoor events and venues have no capacity restrictions (excluding washrooms), but must maintain 2 metres distancing between households or 2 close contact for those living alone.
Businesses Opting into the Restriction Exemption Program
Effective September 20:
Businesses that implement the Restrictions Exemption Program are permitted to operate as usual if they only serve people (ages 12 and over) who have:

  • proof of vaccination: single dose accepted between September 20 and October 25 if received 2 weeks before time of service; or double-dose required after October 25.

  • documentation of a medical exemption

  • proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed)

Businesses do not need to apply for the program. Audits and enforcement will occur to ensure rules are followed.

NOTE: businesses participating in the Restriction Exemption Program are not required to require proof of vaccination from their employees and children under 12 years of age.
Businesses Opting Out of Restriction Exemption Program
Effective September 20:
Weddings & Funerals
Indoor services are permitted with up to 50 people or 50% of fire code occupancy, whichever is less.

Indoor receptions are prohibited, unless the hosting facility implements the Restrictions Exemption Program.

Outdoor ceremonies, services and receptions are permitted with up to 200 people and must follow liquor sales and consumption restrictions:
- sales end at 10pm, consumption by 11pm
- unless the hosting facility implements the restrictions exemption program
Sport, Fitness, Recreation, & Performance Activities
Outdoor activities can continue with no restrictions

Indoor group classes and activities are not permitted

Indoor competitions are paused except where vaccine exemptions have been granted

Indoor one-on-one training and solo activities are allowed with 3 metre physical distancing
Restaurants
Indoor dining is not permitted

Outdoor dining only with a maximum of 6 people per table (one household or 2 close contacts for those living alone)

Liquor sales and consumption restrictions apply (sales end at 10pm, consumption by 11pm)
Retail & Recreation
Capacity restricted to 1/3 fire code occupancy

Attendees must be with household members only, or 2 close contacts if they live alone

Masks and 2 metre physicial distancing is required
NAGA Alberta will continue to monitor Government announcements, seek clarification, and provide updates, if required in the future. 

Sincerely,
Erica Beck
Regional Director, NGCOA Canada
President - NAGA Alberta
cc:
Robert Rousselle, Executive Director, PGA of Alberta
Phil Berube, CEO, Alberta Golf
Jennifer Cox, President, CSCM – Alberta Chapter
Terri Solodan, Executive Director, AGSA