With cases of COVID-19 rising in Alberta, some local hospitality businesses are voluntarily and proactively closing indoor dining, mirroring the shift that took place back in November before the provincial government mandated in-person dining restrictions in December.
Some in the medical community continue to advocate for a return of restrictions. In an open letter to the Premier dated April 1, the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association recommended an immediate lockdown or circuit breaker, “advising people to only leave their homes for essential services or outdoor exercise.”
In an interview with Global Edmonton, University of Alberta infectious diseases expert Dr. Lynora Saxinger expressed her concern about “places where, for example, people have to unmask to eat like in restaurants, food services and things like that.”
Arcadia suspend its indoor service on April 1. (Arcadia/Instagram)
Arcadia, which opened its Manchester Square location in late November, suspended its indoor service on April 1 though they remain open for patio service and take-out. “This is a very difficult decision, especially being such a new business & still trying to get off the ground. But, the safety of our staff & you the customers is much more important.”
Similarly, Chartier in Beaumont closed to indoor dining as of April 5 but will continue to offer curbside pick-up and patio service.
“We understand that everyone may not agree with this move. And that’s ok. At the end of the day, we’d rather be remembered as the jerks who cancelled meemaw’s birthday vs. the jerks who played a part in meemaw’s COVID-19 infection,” the restaurant wrote.
Some restaurants have remained closed to indoor dining since November, including Fleisch, NongBu, Northern Chicken, The Local Omnivore, and Jack’s Burger Shack in St. Albert.