At least two local food-based businesses will require patrons to continue to mask up even as the local requirement to do so expires on July 1.
Kind Ice Cream will require masks until at least mid-July in order to protect its staff.
"While we're eager to see the eventual return to normal, we plan on taking extra precautions while we see how things evolve following reopening and in order to give our team a bit of extra time to get their second doses," the shop posted on Twitter. "Our staff feeling safe at work is our biggest priority as we roll into these next several weeks."
Earth's General Store will also be asking customers to continue masking, regardless of vaccination status.
"This extra period of time will allow all of our staff to be fully vaccinated AND the full two-week period after vaccination is observed," the store posted on Facebook. "If you are fully vaccinated – good for you, and thank you – but you will still need to wear a mask while being in the store and practice social distancing."
Kind Ice Cream will require masks until at least mid-July to help protect its staff. (Kind Ice Cream/Instagram)
Masks will no longer be required in most indoor public places starting July 1 (there are some exceptions with public transit, vehicle-for-hire, and long-term care facilities). Edmonton city council voted on June 25 to deactivate its bylaw in conjunction with Stage 3 of Alberta's Open for Summer Plan.
The Old Strathcona Business Association had sent a letter on behalf of its 500 businesses to urge city council to extend the bylaw.
"Even with vaccination rates on the rise, many of our businesses are expressing concern about staff safety and being exposed to the new Delta variant," it wrote.