New public health measures were announced by the Governent of Alberta on December 8. The new measures include a ban on both indoor and outdoor social gatherings and mandatory mask use in public indoor settings across the province. Working from home is also mandatory except in cases where physical presence is required to maintain ‘operational effectiveness.’
The restrictions on performing arts activities announced on November 24 remain in place. Here’s a brief summary of those restrictions:
- Live performances for an audience are prohibited
- Indoor group rehearsals are not allowed
- An individual may rehearse indoors
- Outdoor rehearsals with a maximum of 10 people are allowed provided that physical distancing and other relevant guidelines are followed.
The process for applying for exemptions outlined below is still applicable. Exemptions that have already been granted remain valid.
Alberta Health has provided additional information, via Alberta Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women’s Arts Branch, about mandatory restrictions on performance activities announced by Premier Jason Kenney on November 24, 2020. Information for all mandatory restrictions is published at www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx.
Alberta Health defines performance activities to include dancing, singing, theatre and playing wind instruments. Mandatory restrictions are currently in effect for group performance activities in all enhanced (purple) areas of Alberta. You may view a map of all communities under enhanced status at www.alberta.ca/maps/covid-19-status-map.htm.
Restrictions
Under no circumstances will live performance for an audience be permitted in enhanced (purple) areas during this period.
Rehearsals and practices in outdoor settings are permitted up to a maximum of 10 participants. Physical distancing and other relevant guidelines must be followed.
Within indoor settings rehearsals, practices, and performances involving two or more people are not permitted. (Individual practice is permitted indoors.)
Exemptions
Alberta Health may provide exemptions for the following:
- Group rehearsals or practice, or
- Group performance for the purpose of live-stream broadcast or recordings.
How to apply for an exemption
Certain requirements must be demonstrated to be considered for an exemption. Detailed descriptions of performance activities are not required. An organization or ensemble must provide:
- Evidence that they planned a performance to occur prior to January 15, 2021, and that they either:
- pre-sold tickets for this event, or
- prepared and publicized a performance.
- Evidence that not proceeding with the activity will result in a significant negative economic impact to the artists or arts organization.
- Information about type of activities that will be conducted and precautions being taken to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
- The total number of people participating during the activity, both performers and other workers.
- The venue required for the activity, and information about its protocols to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
Requests for exemption may be submitted to Alberta Health via Biz Connect at BizConnect@gov.ab.ca.
