After hoping for a grand return this New Year’s Eve, the City of Edmonton has cancelled its downtown fireworks display.
The cancellation is due to the recent increase in new COVID-19 cases. The city said it’s more important now than even to protect Edmontonians against the threat of COVID-19.
“The severity of the Omicron variant is not yet known, but it is clear that there is an increased risk of transmission,” the city said in a news release Tuesday.
“Out of an abundance of caution, and in an effort to protect Edmontonians from this virus, the City’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show has been cancelled.”
It was just last week the city announced the New Year’s Eve fireworks would be back, after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
The cancellation came after Premier Jason Kenney announced additional public health measures Tuesday, largely aimed at big events.
Starting Friday, venues that can hold 1,000 or more people will have to reduce their capacity to 50 per cent. Venues that hold 500 to 1,000 people must cap their capacity at 500 people.
In addition, attendees must be masked at all times. Food and drink can’t be consumed in seats or at intermission to ensure masks are worn throughout.
The new restrictions were announced amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in Alberta, driven by the Omicron variant of concern.
“The City of Edmonton is ready to adapt to changing public health orders at a moment’s notice, and I send my gratitude to all Edmontonians who do the same,” city manager Andre Corbould said.
“Although these measures could impact some of your choices over the holidays, I encourage everyone in Edmonton to change their plans towards the safe, outdoor alternatives available to them throughout our city.”
The city pointed to a number of other outdoor spaces where people could spend time during the holidays, including river valley parks, the Victoria Oval and other outdoor skating rinks.
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