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The Alberta government declared a state of public health emergency Tuesday to combat the COVID-19 pandemic as cases in the province jumped to 97.

The move, announced by Premier Jason Kenney, prohibits Albertans from attending public venues including casinos, bars and nightclubs. It also calls for the cancellation of all public gatherings of more than 50 people — down from the previous recommendation of 250.

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Alberta’s Provincial Operations Centre has been elevated to level four, the highest possible level.

“The situation is very serious and we are taking action more effectively to protect Albertans against this pandemic,” said Kenney. “Decisive action is needed and we are taking that action.”

Elective and non-urgent surgeries are being suspended in order take pressure off the health system as resources are directed towards fighting the pandemic, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Tuesday at her daily update.