It has officially been three weeks since the province moved into Step 1 in Alberta's staged plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions.

Today, (March 1, 2021) we will hear from provincial leaders on whether the province will lift further restrictions and move into Step 2.

Based on the province's initial plan, a move to the next step is dependant on hospitalization numbers across the province registering below 450, which they are. 

Alberta is currently reporting 250 hospitalizations, with 46 Albertans currently in intensive care units.

A move to Step 2 will mean the potential easing in these areas:

  • Retail
  • Banquet halls
  • Community halls
  • Conference centres
  • Hotels
  • Further easing of indoor fitness and children's sport and performance

The province is currently reporting 4, 584 active cases of the virus, 10 of which are in Cochrane.

Despite a drop in provincial numbers, variant cases continue to grow provincewide. The province added 29 new cases of the U.K variant over the weekend, bringing the total to 422, and there are currently eight cases of the South African variant throughout the province.

Alberta Seniors 75 and over are now eligible to receive vaccinations against COVID-19, and as of Saturday, (February 27) 87,695 Albertans have been fully immunized with two doses.

Alberta's top doctor will provide a live update this afternoon, and announce whether or not the province will move into Step 2 of easing provincial restrictions.