COVID-19/coronavirus update: March 17, 2020

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has declared a state of public health emergency as the province works to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Kenney made the announcement Tuesday at the Alberta legislature.

Alberta’s Provincial Operations Centre has been elevated from a level 3 to a level 4, the highest level, Kenney said.

Bars and casinos will close immediately. Seating in restaurants and coffee shops will be limited to 50-per-cent capacity, he said.

Take-out, delivery and drive-through service is permitted. Licensed facilities will also be permitted to deliver liquor, in part to help them sell off inventory.