Last updated: March 1, 2022
Last update: Provincial Summary
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Provincial Summary
Current Restrictions
Public health measurPublic health measures will be lifted in 3 stages as the Omicron wave subsides and pressure on the health-care system eases. Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
Public health measures will be lifted in 3 stages as the Omicron wave subsides and pressure on the health-care system eases. Albertans can help make that possible by getting every vaccine dose they are eligible for.
Alberta entered Step 1 on February 9, and will progress to Step 2 on March 1.
STEP 1
Alberta will enter Step 1 on February 9. The following changes will come into effect at that time, unless otherwise stated.
- Restrictions Exemption Program removed, along with most associated restrictions.
- Capacity limits in large facilities and entertainment venues (500+) remain in place, but food and beverages now allowed in seats.
- Capacity limits for locations not covered under the REP program are removed.
- Mandatory masking requirements removed for:
- children 12 and under in all settings as of February 14
- children and youth in schools for any age as of February 14
STEP 2
Alberta will enter Step 2 starting on March 1. At that time, the following measures will be updated.
- Any remaining school requirements removed (for example: Kindergarten to grade 6 cohorting).
- Youth screening activities for entertainment and sport activities removed.
- Capacity on all large venues and entertainment venues lifted.
- Indoor and outdoor social gathering limits lifted.
- Mandatory work-from-home requirements lifted.
- Provincial mask mandate will be lifted except in high-risk settings, including on public transit, at AHS-operated and contracted facilities, and all continuing care settings.
STEP 3
The timeline for Alberta entering Step 3 is to be determined and will depend on hospitalization rates continuing to trend downward.
- COVID-specific continuing care measures removed.
- Mandatory isolation removed (becomes a recommendation only).
Masks
- Masking are mandatory in all indoor public spaces, workplaces, and places of worship. However, masking requirements will be removed for:
- children 12 and under in all settings as of February 14
- children and youth in schools for any age as of February 14
- For fully vaccinated people who have just completed the 5-day isolation and no longer have symptoms, masks must be worn at all times outside of home for an additional 5 days.
- Employees must mask in all indoor work settings, except while alone in work stations.
- Masks should fit well and be of high quality. People at risk of severe outcomes should wear medical masks when in settings with people outside of their household.
Information for Albertans
Isolation and quarantine requirements
- Isolation is still legally required for people who have COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive. Learn more about the isolation requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated Albertans.
- Quarantine is no longer legally required for close contacts of positive cases, unless directed to do so by local public health officials.
- International travelers must still follow federal travel requirements.
Testing
- PCR testing for Albertans is available only for those who have clinical risk factors for severe outcomes and those who live and work in high-risk settings.
- Free rapid antigen testing kits are available for at-home use.
- Wastewater monitoring is used to provide a broad picture of infection levels in a community.
Providing paid COVID-19 vaccination leave
Providing paid COVID-19 vaccination leave
- All working Albertans can access up to 3 hours of paid leave to get each dose of the COVID-19 vaccine without fear of penalty, loss of pay or reprisal.
- Employers may provide additional time beyond 3 hours per appointment, if necessary, but are not required to.
- The leave applies to all full and part-time employees regardless of how long they have been employed.
What to do if you think you are sick
If you recently returned from travel outside Canada or have symptoms - cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing:
- stay home - do not go to an ER or clinic
- take the COVID-19 self-assessment test
- call Health Link 811 for testing and instructions
Local Information
Local Business Information
Business Support Information
The Heart of the Peace Economic Development committee provides a website with exclusive business resources and supports sources. The COVID-19 outbreak has increased stressors on our already stretched local businesses. Visit the site for a wealth of information on the supports that the Federal, Provincial and Local governments are providing during this time, including Albert's Relaunch Strategy information.
More support for businesses keeping Albertans safe
Alberta’s government will bring in new supports for businesses implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program.
Alberta REP Grant
Federal Summary
Support for Canadian Businesses
The federal government has announced an Emergency Community Support Fund which will allocate $350 million to charities. The funds will be available to both independent organizations and national organizations like the United Way.
The federal government is also launching a calculator on the CRA website to help businesses eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) determine the amount that they can claim. Companies can apply for the CEWS beginning Monday, April 27.
Supporting Canadian Businesses Through the Canada Account
Helping Businesses Keep Their Workers
Flexibility for Businesses Filing Taxes
Quarantine Act
The Prime Minister has announced that Canada is enacting and enforcing the Quarantine Act
All travellers entering Canada, regardless of citizenship, must follow testing and quarantine requirements to keep Canadians safe, particularly given the COVID-19 variants in Canada and around the world.
Exemption for eligible fully vaccinated travellers
This exemption is only available to travellers who are already eligible to enter Canada and who arrived after 12:01 am ET on July 5. Foreign nationals aren’t eligible to enter Canada to visit, or for tourism at this time.
Airline Travel
- The Public Health Agency of Canada is continuing to advise travellers to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada.
RCMP
Effective immediately, Alberta RCMP detachments will be modifying service delivery at front counters and restricting access to public spaces within RCMP facilities. Signage will be displayed at all exterior public entrances reflecting the following:
- In order to prioritize essential policing services and to reduce unnecessary contact with personnel, detachments will suspend all non-critical front counter services. Fingerprinting for Criminal Record Checks will only be done in exceptional circumstances. Non-urgent fingerprinting and Criminal Record Checks will resume at a later date.
- Before proceeding to a detachment, please consult our provincial directory and phone the listed telephone number (http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/detach/en/find/AB#wb-cont). If assistance can be provided to you over the phone, an employee or officer will do so. If your request requires personal contact with an officer, that decision will be made over the phone.
- The decision to limit public contact in non-urgent situations was made to ensure the health of the public and our employees so that we are able to sustain essential services across Alberta.
- Please dial 911 only in an emergency.
- Our Operational Communication Centres are open and fully functional for all emergency calls.
A number of changes have been put in place to protect the health of our employees and the public. These decisions were made to ensure that there were no impacts to essential services, keeping our communities safe. As Alberta's provincial police service, we have sound business continuity plans in place to ensure Albertans can continue to count on us every day, including during times of public health emergencies.
Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP
Media Contact
Fraser Logan
Media Relations Group
780-412-5261