While the Town of Drumheller recovers from a spike in COVID-19 cases locally, the province of Alberta is battling a second wave of the pandemic, prompting further measures to be implemented with some restrictions coming into effect as of midnight on Sunday, December 13.
The province-wide restrictions have left some businesses scrambling to accommodate clients prior to four-week closures and implement further restrictions on occupancy capacity ahead of Christmas.
“Our small businesses need additional support, and they need them today,” said Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer during the Tuesday, December 8 press conference.
These restrictions have meant most retail businesses must reduce occupancy capacity from 25 per cent under previous regulations, to 15 per cent as of Sunday, December 13. The reduced capacity also applies to places of worship, and virtual or drive-in services are encouraged where possible.