Public health officials around the world are grappling with the spread of the new coronavirus outbreak, which originated in China late last year. The World Health Organization described the virus as a pandemic on March 11.
READ MORE: How many Canadians have coronavirus? Total number of confirmed cases by region
For the latest information and recommendations from Alberta Health on COVID-19, click here. For the latest travel advisories from Health Canada, click here. Alberta Health Services has also shared information and resources online.
On March 15, the Alberta government advised that all K-12 schools should be closed effective immediately, along with all licensed child care facilities, out-of-school care programs and preschool programs.
On March 17, Alberta declared a public health emergency, banning gatherings of groups of 50 or more. Citizens are also banned from public places like casinos, bingo halls, theatres, children’s play centres, recreation centres and arenas, science centres, museums and art galleries, community centres, fitness facilities, and entertainment facilities like movie theatres.
Premier Jason Kenney said weddings and funerals of more than 50 people should be cancelled, as should concerts and religious gatherings. Until further notice, all Albertans are restricted from attending bars and nightclubs. Sit-down restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, food courts and other food-serving facilities are limited to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 50 people.
The ban does not apply to health care facilities, grocery stores, airports, the Alberta legislature, and other essential services.
Here’s a list of Edmonton events and facilities that organizers have cancelled, postponed or closed in light of coronavirus concerns (in alphabetical order). Note: restaurants and businesses are listed under their own headings.
Alberta Ballet
The Alberta Ballet’s production of Peter Pan was cancelled in both Edmonton and Calgary. In Edmonton, it was scheduled to run at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium from March 27 to 29.
Alberta Cheerleading Association
The head of the competitions cancelled the Alberta Schools Athletic Association elementary and junior high provincials.
Alberta Legislature
All tours and public events are suspended and general public access to the legislature building and Federal Building is being restricted.
Alberta Motor Association
The Alberta Motor Association announced on March 20 that all centres across the province will be closed for the first time in its 94-year history. The organization said it will continue to provide roadside assistance.
Alberta schools
On Sunday, March 15, Premier Jason Kenney announced the immediate cancellation of all kindergarten to Grade 12 classes and the closure of licensed child care programs in the province. The province said in-person post-secondary classes are cancelled but campuses will remain open.
Grade 12 diploma exams needed to get into university will go ahead, the education minister said, adding details were still being worked out as to how to administer those exams.
Alberta Soccer
Alberta Soccer postponed its provincial championships after a recommendation from the Alberta Soccer Risk Management Committee.
Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in Red Deer is closed until further notice. The closure also affects to the rest stop and public washrooms adjacent to the facility, as well as Tourism Red Deer.
Alberta Water Polo
Alberta Water Polo suspended all AWPA sanctioned events until further notice. The events include the John Csikos Alberta Open, the AWPA Provincial Winter League, the Calgary City League, the Edmonton City League and the Team Alberta Try-Outs.
Archbishop of Edmonton
On March 17, the Archbishop of Edmonton decided to cancel public celebrations of the Mass until further notice.
Beaumont
The City of Beaumont closed the Centre Communautaire, Beaumont Community Centre, Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre, Chantal Bérubé Youth Centre until April 6.
All city-operated programs and events have also been cancelled until April 6.
Best Restaurants – Avenue Edmonton
Avenue Edmonton’s Best Restaurants event scheduled for March 16 at the Edmonton Expo Centre will be postponed. The magazine will offer ticket refunds. More information will be shared in the coming days.
Beverley Heights Variety
The Beverley Heights Variety show has cancelled the remainder of their shows for this season, effective immediately. It was scheduled to run until March 28.
CCAA national basketball championships
The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s national basketball championships for men and women have been cancelled. The SAIT men’s basketball team was planning to go.
Canadian Football League regional scouting combines
The CFL cancelled its regional scouting combines in Edmonton (March 20).
Canada Soccer
Canada Soccer suspended all sanctioned soccer activities effective Friday. The decision impacts all domestic soccer activity as well as national teams across all age groups.
CatFest
Edmonton International Cat Festival was cancelled. The event was scheduled for May 30.
Cineplex
Effective March 16, all 165 Cineplex theatres across Canada will be closed. Theatres are expected to reopen April 2.
Cirque du Soleil
All performances of Cirque du Soleil AXEL in Edmonton have been cancelled.
All ticket buyers for AXEL in Edmonton will be refunded and will be notified on how and when their refunds will be processed by their respective third-party ticketing company. Refunds are available at point of purchase. Ticket buyers who bought their tickets through Ticketmaster will be issued an automatic refund on the credit card used to purchase their tickets.
Citadel Theatre
The theatre closed the production of As You Like It on Thursday, postponed The Garneau Block and Peter Pan Goes Wrong and Audrey Ochoa & Friends in the House Series. The 2020 Collider Festival has been postponed. Final performances for the Foote Theatre School winter session and upcoming Spring Break Camps have been cancelled.
City of Edmonton
All city-run attractions and recreation facilities were closed as of Saturday, March 14 at 6 p.m.
“We don’t yet know how long the closures will last,” Interim City Manager Adam Laughlin said. “We will continue to be guided by the province’s public health officials in taking actions to protect Edmontonians and visitors from COVID-19.”
The closure affects all indoor facilities (arenas and rec centres) and attractions, as well as the Edmonton Valley Zoo and John Janzen Nature Centre. Zoo staff will continue to ensure the animals are well taken care of during the closure.
The City of Edmonton is working out a process for full or prorated refunds for programs, and will put all annual memberships on hold.
Hawrelak Park Pavilion, Rundle Park Pavilion and Victoria Park Pavilion were also closed.
The city later announced the closures of several in-person services. Effective Tuesday, March 24, the City Hall service counter, the Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board front counter, and the Reuse Centre and Ambleside EcoStation were closed. It said that the Animal Care & Control Centre’s service counter would remain open but by appointment only.
Daycares
Alberta announced March 15 the closure of licenced child care programs in the province.
The chief medical officer of health said that some approved day homes are an exception, due to the small numbers of children present.
Dental offices
As of March 17, Dr. R. Croutze, registrar & CEO of the Alberta Dental Association and College, announced an immediate mandatory suspension of all non-emergency dental treatment and services.
Dentists may continue to provide emergency treatment for things like oral-facial trauma, significant infection, prolonged bleeding or pain which cannot be managed by over-the-counter medications.
Driver road tests
On March 20, driver road tests in Alberta were immediately suspended until April 20. Albertans who already have a road test booked will be able to rebook online using the same test permit at no additional charge.
“We are working with the commercial carrier industry to deliver emergency Class 1 road tests as necessary,” the province said.
Easter Seals Alberta summer camps
Easter Seals Alberta announced April 29 the suspension of all spring and summer camps at Easter Seals Camp Horizon.
“This announcement has come as a result of the provincial and municipal governments extending the physical distancing and group gathering restrictions until the end of August,” organizers said in a news release.
“To our knowledge, this will be the first time in 55 years that we have had to suspend our summer season.”
Alberta Health confirmed the public health restrictions apply to summer camps.
“We know that there are questions about summer camps, summer soccer leagues and other activities. At this time, they are not permitted,” spokesperson Tom McMillan told Global News in a statement April 29.
“As the premier and Dr. Hinshaw have indicated, we are developing a staged relaunch strategy and hope to share it soon. Elements such as outdoor recreation or summer camps are part of the ongoing discussions about what types of activities will be permitted and at what time.”
Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen’s Show
The boat show was closed Thursday shortly after Alberta Health’s new precautions were announced. The event was taking place at the Edmonton Expo Centre.
“In our 43-year history, this is the first time we’ve had to suspend operations and this underscores the importance of the measures being undertaken by Alberta Health,” the show told its vendors.
Organizers said it would share more information as soon as they can.
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce said events scheduled for March through May have been postponed.
The Edmonton Chamber’s Annual General Meeting, scheduled for April 14, will be changed to a different format. More information on that will be released at a later date.
The chamber said its physical office space, including the conference facilities on the 6th floor of the World Trade Centre Edmonton, is closed to the public.
Edmonton Convention Centre
As of March 12, no major publicly ticketed events (concerts, tradeshows) had been cancelled. However, the venue has had nine cancellations, including smaller private events/meetings and three postponed events.
Edmonton Coin Show
Organizers cancelled the Edmonton Coin Show March 2020.
The decision was made “taking into account the revised advisories of provincial health authorities regarding the nature and demographic profile of an event as ours… and an over abundance of caution.”
Edmonton Curling
Clubs, including Avonair, Crestwood and Ellerslie cancelled all league playoffs and play on March 15.
Edmonton DEAD by CON Horror Festival
Organizers postponed the event that was initially set to take place March 14 and 15.
Edmonton EXPO Centre
As of March 12, no major publicly ticketed events (concerts, tradeshows) had been cancelled. However, one industry conference has been cancelled and three private events have been postponed.
Edmonton Flamenco Festival
The festival cancelled its fourth annual event. Due to international travel and medical insurance complications around the virus, the festival had to cancel its Friday show at the Winspear.
Edmonton Home and Garden Show
The Edmonton Home and Garden Show, scheduled for March 19-22, has been cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For details on ticket refunds, click here.
Alternatively, tickets can be used at the Edmonton Fall Home Show in October, the 2021 Edmonton Renovation Show in January, or the 2021 Edmonton Home + Garden Show next March.
Edmonton Humane Society
The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) made the decision March 17 to close its facility to the general public effective immediately, until further notice.
This will include the closure, cancellation and/or postponement of adoptions, Bingo’s Pet Shop, Central Bark Dog Park, dog training classes, Doggie Daycare, field trips, rentals of EHS space, PALS (Prevent Another Litter Subsidy) spay/neuter appointments, and corporate volunteer groups.
Later on March 17, the EHS said it was able to close foster applications.
“Due to the outpouring of support from our community, we have temporarily closed applications for becoming a foster volunteer. We are incredibly grateful to everyone for their generosity and willingness to help animals in need.”
Edmonton Minor Soccer Association
The ASA 2020 Indoor Provincial Championships (March 13-15) have been postponed due to COVID-19.
The EMSA All-Star Event (March 14) has been cancelled.
Edmonton Opera
All three performances of Candide have been cancelled. The opera will contact all ticket buyers in the coming days with next steps.
Edmonton Public Library
EPL classes, events, and meeting room bookings were suspended effective Friday until further notice.
On Saturday, March 14 at 6 p.m., EPL closed all 21 branches indefinitely.
Edmonton Sport and Social Club
As of March 15, the club cancelled all games.
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
After initially cancelling events through March 31, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra announced on April 17 the cancellation of all concerts scheduled for the 2019/20 season.
Upcoming “Live From The Winspear: From Stage to Screen” events will be announced on the Winspear Centre website, allowing audiences to experience live orchestral music from the comfort of their homes.
Ticketholders can contact box office staff by email at box.office@winspearcentre.com.
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
On March 30, the Hotel Macdonald tweeted that it would be temporarily closing its doors. In a statement, the hotel said that includes The Harvest Room, The Confederation Lounge, Café 1915 and the Macdonald Health Club until further notice.
FC Edmonton
On March 13, the Canadian Premier League put a hold on all pre-season training for all its clubs for 14 days.
The scheduled match between SK Selects and FC Edmonton March 28-29 was cancelled.
Festival of Trees
On April 30, the University Hospital Foundation announced the 36th annual Festival of Trees would not take place in 2020. Instead, the foundation is delaying the annual fundraising event until 2021. The UHF said it would look for other ways to keep supporters engaged.
Garneau Theatre
Edmonton’s Garneau theatre put up a sign Monday, March 16 saying it was “temporarily closed for community safety.”
“Take care of each other,” the sign also read.
Glenrose Foundation’s Courage Gala
The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation board of directors has decided to postpone the 2020 Courage Gala, originally scheduled for April 3. The event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Glenrose and typically has around 700 guests, volunteers and performers, including current and former patients of the Glenrose Hospital.
Goodwill
Goodwill Industries of Alberta temporarily closed their retail locations and donation centres on March 23.
This means the organization is not accepting donations. However, staff members ask people to hold on to their donations until the centres reopen.
Hockey Canada
Hockey Canada board of directors said it was cancelling all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities, including the national championships, until further notice, effective Friday, March 13.
Hockey Edmonton
The 2020 Hockey Edmonton Timbits Winter Jamboree has been cancelled, “in light of the spread of COVID-19 and in consideration of the ‘mass gathering’ nature of the event.” It was set to take place March 14 and 15.
“This event was expected to have in excess of 5,000 people moving through the complex each day and features many interactive activities, therefore we are using caution and cancelling,” Hockey Edmonton said.
Kids with Cancer Beaded Journey Gala
The 15th annual Kid’s with Cancer Beaded Journey Gala was scheduled for Friday, March 13. It was cancelled a day prior due to COVID-19 concerns.
Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch
On March 23, Little Warriors announced the temporary closure of its Be Brave Ranch.
Families currently in treatment at the ranch will be contacted, and the clinical team is working on online and telephone/video psycho education and supportive counselling versions of their programming for families to access while they are away from the Be Brave Ranch.
An in-person Prevent It! workshop will be offered online. The Be Brave Luncheon that was scheduled for April 29 has been postponed until Oct. 29.
Long-term care facilities
Alberta Health said March 15 that long-term care facilities should be limited to essential visitors only.
Make It Edmonton
Make It Edmonton, a handmade market scheduled to run March 20-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre, has been cancelled. Anyone who purchased a ticket will receive a full refund, according to a statement on the market’s website.
National Hockey League
The NHL announced it would pause the 2019-20 season, beginning with Thursday night’s games.
Rogers Place issued a statement Wednesday, saying “Oilers Entertainment Group events scheduled at Rogers Place and ICE District are going ahead as planned and the venues remain fully open.” The Oilers’ arena said it would continue to monitor the situation and take any necessary steps.
The Edmonton Oilers will be reaching out to ticket holders, partners and other affected parties with information after the NHL made the decision to press pause on the season.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology convocation
On March 17, NAIT said it decided to postpone convocation ceremonies planned for this spring. NAIT said eligible students will still graduate.
Northwest Edmonton Seniors Society
The Northwest Edmonton Seniors Society closed on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure will remain in place until further notice.
November Project
November Project workouts and social events in all cities have been cancelled “until further notice.” The group offers weekly workouts online that people can do from home.
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
When Alberta’s chief medical officer of health asked that all large gatherings of more than 250 people be cancelled, the decision was made Thursday to temporarily close the theatre “effective immediately.”
More information on ticket refunds and show rescheduling will be available in the coming days.
Open Streets
Paths for People has cancelled both Open Streets events in Edmonton this year. “Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear timeline on when the public health situation will stabilize and this doesn’t give us a clear path forward to effectively plan these large-scale events,” reads a post on the organization’s website.
PGA Alberta Golf Shows
The PGA announced both the Calgary and Edmonton Golf Shows will be cancelled “as per Alberta Health Services’ regulations and mandated from the government of Canada.”
Edmonton’s Golf Show was scheduled April 4-5.
Places of worship
Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Sunday, March 15 that places of worship would be under the same restrictions as other gatherings effective immediately, meaning that events with more than 250 people present should be cancelled.
“I encourage religious leaders to work with their faith communities to determine how they can continue to support each other, but in ways that reduce the risk of infection spreading,” she said.
Provincial Budget Breakfast
The 2020 Provincial Budget Breakfast, presented by CPA Alberta, has been postponed.
Due to “extra precautions taken by the provincial government,” the event featuring the finance minister has been postponed. It was supposed to take place Monday, March 16 at the Sutton Place Hotel in Edmonton.
Rabbit Hill
Rabbit Hill, located southwest of Edmonton near Devon, posted a closure announcement on its website March 15, saying the decision was made after the City of Edmonton decided to shut down all rec centres and attractions.
Ramadan Market YEG
Ramadan Market YEG was to host their second annual inclusive public market at the Alberta Aviation Museum on April 11 to 12. It was cancelled.
RBC Training Ground
RBC Training Ground suspended its six remaining 2020 RBC Training Ground qualifying events taking place in Winnipeg, Montreal, Edmonton, Fredericton, Saskatoon and Vancouver.
Religious Freedoms 2020
Religious Freedoms 2020: A Community Conversation has been postponed until the fall. New date TBA. The event was scheduled for March 28.
Running Room Indoor Games
The final day of competition for the 42nd Annual Running Room Indoor Games was postponed from Saturday, March 14 to Saturday, May 30, 2020.
Sage Seniors Association
Sage, multi-service senior-serving organization providing vital programs and services to seniors in the greater Edmonton area, has decided to significantly alter its programming and services.
Sage has decided to limit access to its building until further notice. Effective Monday, March 16, only people with appointments will have access to the building.
SHUMKA 60 On Tour
Shumka has re-scheduled the upcoming Edmonton Shumka 60 On Tour at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium to October 8-9, 2020. Ticket holders will be contacted directly with options to transfer, donate, or refund existing tickets.
Skate Canada
Skate Canada said the 2020 STARSkate and Adult Championships scheduled to take place March 20 to 22 in Edmonton have been cancelled.
The Synchro Invitational scheduled this weekend in Carstairs is also cancelled.
Snow Sneak Peek Western Canada tour
The Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations has cancelled the Snow Sneak Peak 2020 shows scheduled for March 29 at Servus Credit Union Place in St. Albert, Alta.
Snow Valley
Snow Valley, located off Whitemud Drive in south Edmonton, posted an update March 15, where it announced it would be shutting down for the season. It also said it was making the decision based on the City of Edmonton’s closures.
Special Olympics Alberta-Edmonton
The Sliv Workout Fundraiser for Special Olympics Alberta-Edmonton has been postponed from its scheduled date of March 14. The event will take place at a later date that has not been decided upon yet.
Strathcona County rec centres
Council voted 6-2 to close all indoor recreation facilities until April 14 in Strathcona County and Sherwood Park effective end of day Friday, at the recommendation of the Emergency Management Agency.
Strathcona High School bike-a-thon
The Strathcona bike-a-thon was postponed “in consideration of many unique factors, including the number of students and staff participating (more than 1,000), the close proximity of people at the event and the 24-hour event length,” said Anna Batchelor, a spokesperson for Edmonton Public Schools.
The district said its schools are making site-based decisions about events based on updates and guidance from provincial and federal health authorities.
Sunridge hill
Sunridge in northeast Edmonton had announced its closure on March 14, in a post on its website. It said that the last day of the season would be Sunday, March 15, and would close afterwards due to the “evolving situation with the COVID-19 virus.”
Sustainival
The 2020 Sustainival festivals in both Edmonton and Fort McMurray were cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the company announced May 13. Would-be festival goers are encouraged to watch the company’s site and social media channels in the event something changes.
Teatro La Quindicina
Edmonton theatre company Teatro La Quindicina announced on April 28 that the rest of the 2020 season has been postponed. Shows that were scheduled to take place in 2020 will take place around the same time in 2021. 2020 subscriptions will be automatically converted into 2021 subscriptions.
Telus World of Science
The Telus World of Science will be closed as of Friday, March 13.
Vimy Pilgrimage Award
The Vimy Foundation decided to postpone the 2020 Vimy Pilgrimage Award. Twenty Canadian students, including two from Edmonton, were selected to go on the trip to Belgium and France in April.
Walterdale Theatre
On April 10, the Walterdale Theatre cancelled the remaining shows of its 2019-2020 season due to the ongoing public health initiatives around COVID-19, and the need to limit contact and gatherings.
West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall has closed down the World Waterpark and Galaxyland on March 15 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure also includes Marine Life, Crystal Labyrinth Mirror Maze and Ed’s Bowling.
As of March 16, the mall itself remained open, as did Fantasyland Hotel and West Edmonton Mall Inn. It said in a statement that some tenants had opted to reduce operating hours.
Western Canada Fashion Week
The Western Canada Fashion Week has been postponed and no new date has been decided.
Western Hockey League
Edmonton Oil Kings games will not be played.
On March 18, Western Hockey League Commissioner Ron Robison announced the conclusion of the 2019-20 WHL regular season.
Following a meeting with the WHL Board of Governors and consultation with medical professionals, it was determined that the remaining 54 games on the 2019-20 WHL regular season schedule will be cancelled and not played.
“We will continue to monitor ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19. We will make every effort possible to conduct the 2020 WHL Playoffs at a later date. We thank WHL fans and partners for your patience and understanding during these challenging times.”
Woodall Cup
The Edmonton Police Service announced the 5th annual Woodall Cup would be postponed. The annual soccer game honouring fallen EPS officer Daniel Woodall was scheduled to take place at the Edmonton Soccer Dome on March 14.
In a statement, EPS said the event would be rescheduled “when circumstances permit.”
Woman of Vision 25th Anniversary Celebration Event
Organizers decided to postpone the event (scheduled for April 8).
Businesses
Alberta Motor Association
The Alberta Motor Association closed all centres to walk-in traffic as of March 20. AMA said this is the first time in its 94-year history it has done this. Centres across the province will be closed until the end of March. AMA can be accessed by phone, email and online.
ATB
The Alberta Treasury Branch announced March 19 the temporary closure of select branches, while reduced hours continue throughout the rest of the network. The proactive measure starts March 20, with more branches scheduled to close temporarily. Click here for the latest ATB information.
The Comic Strip
The Comic Strip inside West Edmonton Mall is closed. It said it would re-evaulate re-opening at the end of March.
GYMVMT
Effective March 17, all GYMVMT and Her GYMVMT locations have been temporarily closed.
Rocky Mountain Soap Company
Alberta-based Rocky Mountain Soap Company said it would be closing all of our retail store locations as of Wednesday, March 18, for two weeks. Online orders will still be fulfilled.
Sephora
Make up and beauty product retailer Sephora is closing all of its retail stores in the U.S. and Canada at 5 p.m. local time on Tuesday, March 17 until April 3.
Simons
Clothing store Simons said all of its stores in Canada will be closed for an “indefinite period.” However, the company’s website as well as essential services will remain open.
Starbucks
On March 20, Starbucks announced it will close access to its cafés and move to drive-thru and delivery only, effective immediately.
“Some exceptions will be made for those cafés serving in or around hospitals and health care centers in the company’s efforts to serve first responders, health care workers, and their incredible support staff.”
Restaurants
The Common
As of March 17, the downtown restaurant/bar announced it was ceasing all operations until further notice.
“We are doing what we feel is right in our hearts at this time to keep our community, employees and loved ones safe.”
Earls
Earls Restaurants closed all of its locations across the U.S. and Canada immediately on March 17, until it is deemed safe to reopen in consultation with public health authorities.
Have Mercy
The restaurant/bar in Old Strathcona announced on Instagram that it was closed on March 17.
“Please connect with us on social media to keep informed on when we re-open the doors! Stay safe and stay home.”
JOEY Restaurants
The chain announced March 17 it was temporarily suspending dine-in operations at all Joey locations in Canada and the U.S.
The Keg
Keg Restaurants Ltd. announced the temporary closure of all 107 Keg locations across Canada and select U.S. states. This becomes effective as of the close of business, Tuesday, March 17.
O’Byrne’s Irish Pub
O’Byrne’s said it would be closed for St. Patrick’s Day March 17.
“It is our social responsibility to close on St. Patrick’s Day to protect our local community,” the bar said on Instagram.
Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse
Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse said it has shut down all operations until at least March 31. This includes in-house dining and delivery service.
Three Boars
On March 17, the restaurant announced it was closing its doors until further notice.
“We are currently in the process of organizing options for takeout and delivery,” a post on Instagram read. “Take care and stay safe.”
Wishbone
The downtown restaurant announced March 17 it was closing its doors until further notice.