Alberta COVID Restrictions: What You Need to Know

COVID-19 public health measures lifted

The Government of Alberta ended its numerous public health measures and protocols that were activated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These rules helped to reduce the impact of the virus’ spread on the province’s healthcare system.

Alberta took a 3-step approach to “return to normal” as the fifth wave of COVID-19 subsided. This article provides an overview of those steps, and the current status of Alberta COVID-19 measures.

GET THE FACTS

Alberta’s 3-step plan

Alberta’s 3-step plan phased out COVID-19 restrictions in three separate phases.

Step 1

Alberta hit Step 1 on February 9, 2022. The following changes came into effect:

• • Restriction Exemption Program (REP) and associated restrictions have been lifted
  • Removal of capacity limits for venues with with a capacity under 500 people, and changes to larger facilities
  • Recommended physical distance of 2 metres between households
  • An end to mandatory mask requirements for:
    • children under 13 in all settings as of February 14
    • Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, including school activities, as of February 14

Step 2

Alberta activated Step 2 on March 1, 2022. The following changes were made to COVID-19 restrictions:

• • Remaining school requirements removed
  • Screening protocols for youth entertainment and sports ended
  • Capacity limits on all large venues have been lifted
  • Restrictions on interactive activities, table limits, liquor sales and closing times for bars, restaurants and food serving businesses have been lifted
  • No more limits on indoor and outdoor social meetings
  • Mandatory work-from-home requirements lifted
  • Provincial mask mandate ended, except:
    • on municipal and intra-provincial public transit for Albertans 13 and older.
    • at Alberta Health Services-operated and contracted locations, and continuing care settings.

Step 3

Alberta moved to Step 3 on June 14, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. after hospitalization rates sustained a downward trend. This step included the following changes:

• End to remaining mask mandates in Alberta (public transit, Alberta Health Services and other health-care facilities, though the latter can determine their own rules on an individual basis).
• Removal of COVID-19 measures for continuing care.
• Mandatory isolation not mandatory.
• Businesses are no longer required to verify individuals’ vaccine QR codes

Back To Top

Is there still a mandatory isolation requirement in Alberta?

There is no mandatory requirement for someone in Alberta to isolate if they experience COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for the virus. The province still recommends isolation for anyone in either situation. The mandatory requirement was lifted on June 14, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. when the province reached Step 3.

Back To Top

Are mask mandates still in place across Alberta?

There is no longer a mask mandate in Alberta.

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced that it will end its masking requirement for staff, patients and visitors in all hospitals and contracted locations. The requirement will end on Monday, June 19.

AHS previously made mask wearing optional for staff when in areas not accessible by patients. Individuals can continue to wear a mask if they choose to. AHS said they made the decision to lift their mask policy due to declining COVID-19 hospitalizations and wastewater data. The president of the United Nurses of Alberta suggested that health-care workers would welcome the change, due to “mask fatigue.”

Back To Top

Do public sector workers still require vaccination?

There are no requirements for Alberta public servants to be fully vaccinated or provide regular negative COVID-19 test results.

Back To Top

Are employees still required to work from home if they can?

Employees are not required to work from home if they have the ability to and the nature of their job allows them to do so.

The mandatory work-from-home order was lifted on March 1, 2022, when Alberta entered Step 2.

READ MORE
Can my employer force me to return to work in Alberta after working remotely?

Back To Top