CALGARY — Alberta is moving ahead Thursday with the first stage of its plan to relaunch its economy, but Calgary and Brooks will have to wait a little longer for some services.

Premier Jason Kenney says while Alberta's COVID-19 case numbers have been decreasing, Calgary and Brooks are home to three-quarters of active cases and caution is needed.

Kenney says the two communities will have to wait until May 25 for hair styling and food services to resume -- just to be sure that there isn't a renewed spike in cases.

Thursday's relaunch allows retail stores and daycares to open.

Elsewhere in the province, restaurants and pubs that open will have to do so at half capacity and must follow physical-distancing guidelines.

The province has issued health guidelines to help businesses meet safety standards to prevent another outbreak.

Kenney says if the first stage goes well, the next phase — which includes movie theatres and spas — could go ahead on June 19.

Alberta has 1,211 active cases of COVID-19. Seventy people are  hospitalized and 11 of them are in intensive care.