A big announcement is coming this afternoon (Dec.14).
The province is expected to relax COVID-19 restrictions, allowing more people to gather for the holidays.
"Dec.14, the State of Public Health Emergency will lapse. That's why we think it's the right time for us potentially to move forward," explained Premier Jason Kenney during a recent press conference.
Kenney said they have to be careful about what actions are taken, given concerns around the Omicron variant. He said it is inevitable there will be future waves as indicated by their data models and the nature of respiratory viruses, which operate on cycles, but wants Albertans to still be able to celebrate with their families.
He admitted he plans to spend the holidays with his family, which will be a mix of three households. Under the current rules, that is not allowed.
"I don't want to create a situation where we have millions of Albertans violating the rules when we're not in a current emergency situation."
The Premier is also expected to announce that Albertans will be given free rapid tests to any Albertan before the holidays.
Kenney didn't give any specific details about the upcoming changes but said they will be a "modest, common-sense relaxation."
The announcement will be held at 3:30 PM.