People who need to go to the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre won’t have to pay for parking.

The provincial government announced on Thursday they were temporarily suspending all parking fees at hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will take effect on April 3, with those who need to go to the NLRHC on Thursday still needing to pay.

“Health-care workers and the general public should not have to worry about paying for parking in the midst of responding to COVID-19,” said Tyler Shandro, Alberta’s Minister of Health.

The GoA estimates this will cost the province around $7.6 million in parking revenue each month.

Parking violations, which includes parking in fire lanes, will still be enforced.

Alberta also joins British Columbia who recently undertook this initiative.

“Our government will provide whatever resources are needed to protect Albertans during the COVID-19 emergency,” added Shandro.

This temporary suspension will end once visitor restrictions are lifted.