Province does not consider forcing social distancing in large venues with capacity limits | The Canadian News

With the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreading rapidly, Alberta’s chief physician says it would make sense to require physical distancing in large venues, but it’s not required.

“Currently, if a facility is under the Restriction Exemption Program (REP), it is recommended to space people at least two meters between homes. However, that is not required, ”said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer for health.

“However, at this time, with Omicron and the high infectivity, that would be a best practice in terms of recommendation,” he added.

According to the latest provincial restrictions, the capacity in places with capacity for more than 1,000 people is reduced by half. Vaccination status or proof of a negative test and masks are also required.

But people can still sit shoulder to shoulder.

“Crowding in common areas is a big part of the risk in a larger location, and reducing the overall number of people is intended to reduce that potential for crowding,” said Jason Maloney, Alberta Health’s assistant director of communications.

The province said that under the REP order, the purpose of the capacity limits is to facilitate physical distancing.

“Even if an environment is not subject to capacity limits, it is recommended to promote physical distancing among attendees,” says the order.

Maloney said the province is closely watching the evidence and will make changes if necessary.

Personal risk assessment

The chief of microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine said there are many factors when considering whether you should attend a large event that you may be ticketed for.

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How many people are going to be there? What are the chances that I can stay two or more meters away from everyone? How long am I going to spend there and how good is the ventilation? Is it an indoor environment or an outdoor environment? ” said Dr. Chris Mody.

Mody said the larger the group size, the greater the chances of exposure.

“I think distancing is important. We previously said distances of two meters, but we know that in some circumstances, two meters may not be enough, ”said Mody.

“In an enclosure where you are in a hall or a stadium, for example, if that person is 30 or 40 meters away and is infected, with reasonable ventilation it is unlikely that you will be exposed to that virus because the distance is long. enough.”

Smaller venues do not require reducing capacity

Smaller venues, such as movie theaters, are not required to reduce capacity if they are part of the Restriction Waiver program. But one chain has done it during this latest wave.

“At Landmark, we have decided to restrict capacity five days a week. We are offering physically spaced show times where we keep capacity at about 50 percent, a long way off for all of those customers, “said Bill Walker, CEO of Landmark Cinemas Canada.

Friday and Saturday full capacity.

Sanitation practices are maintained between shows along with mandatory masks in common areas.

“We believe that theaters should be one of those places that is considered relatively, certainly safer than others. Because you sit quietly in one direction and don’t speak, there are very few things you can do in public that are safer than that, ”Walker said.

Cineplex said it is not reducing capacity based on provincial guidelines in Alberta.

“As we have done at all times, Cineplex will continue to follow all guidelines established by all levels of government,” said Melissa Pressacco, Cineplex director of communications.

Cineplex said that in addition to testing mandatory vaccines and masks, it has improved cleanliness, safety signage and reserved seating.