Stage One of the province’s plan to restart the economy is moving forward as planned.

Premier Jason Kenney announced on Wednesday certain businesses and services would be allowed to reopen starting on Thursday.

This includes clothing stores, salons and barbershops, daycares, restaurants at 50 per cent occupancy, museums and art galleries, additional recreational activities, and additional health services.

Kenney says he understands there are mixed feelings about this move.

“I know that for some folks this will feel like we’re moving too fast and for others it will feel like we’re moving too slowly.”

However, this decision wasn’t made before getting advice from scientific and public health officials. This includes Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“We would not jeopardize all that you have risked and sacrificed by beginning to reopen prematurely,” she added. “I feel confident this is the right time to move into stage one.”

Albertans are reminded to keep following all health measures against the virus. This includes washing hands regularly, avoiding public gatherings of more than 15 people, and staying at least two metres away from others.

The number of cases week over week, hospitalizations, and visits to the ICU will determine when to move between stages. If the numbers start to rise, the province will once again tighten the restrictions.

“If we manage stage one reopening successfully, we’ll be able to move sooner into stage’s two and three of our relaunch that would otherwise be the case,” said Kenney.

He notes the earliest Stage Two would happen, which would include personal services, summer camps and movie theatres with restrictions, would be June 19.

More information can be found on the GoA’s website.