Q: What does SOLE mean?
A: SOLE stands for State of Local Emergency. Declaring a SOLE allows the City of Wetaskiwin to enforce additional measures in order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These measures include ensuring businesses follow public safety protocols, and that gathering restrictions identified in public health orders are followed. A gathering is any situation that brings people together in the same space at the same time for the same purpose.

Q: Why does the City have control over these closures?
A: Declaring a SOLE allows the City of Wetaskiwin to enforce additional measures in order to significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 in the community. Regarding the mass gathering and business closure measures, however, those decisions were made by the Government of Alberta, and apply to all communities in the province.

Q: Why was this decision made?
A: Many municipal decisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been difficult to make, and place additional burdens and restrictions on the community. However, we need to make the health and safety of the community our top priority. The faster we can limit contact between people, the faster we can limit the spread of COVID-19.

Q: How are you communicating with the businesses?
A: The page you're viewing is part of the City's standalone website dedicated to keeping the business community (and the public at large) informed about the COVID-19 pandemic. Local businesses are advised to bookmark this website (wetaskiwin.ca/COVID-19) and refer back to it for the latest locally relevant COVID-19 news, resources and supports.

Q: How will this be enforced?
A: Businesses, individuals and community groups in violation of the mass gathering restrictions and business closure directive may be subject to fines. Law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to enforce the province’s new public health orders and issue fines. You can submit a complaint to AHS public health inspectors if you are concerned an establishment is not following public health orders. Click Here for more information.

Q: What are you doing to support businesses through this time?
A: We will do all we can to support our local economy through this uncharted territory. The starting point for this help can be found here on the City's COVID-19 portal. This is where local businesses can find news, resources and supports specific to area business owners. In addition, the City’s Economic Development team is reaching out to businesses directly with information on what they can do to weather the storm.

Q: When will these restrictions be lifted?
A: Information about the COVID-19 pandemic changes rapidly and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The City will post any locally relevant updates on wetaskiwin.ca/COVID-19 as they become available for distribution. For up-to-date and accurate information on the Government of Alberta’s response to COVID-19 please visit COVID-19 coronavirus info for Albertans.

Q: How can we survive without a paycheque?
A: There are financial resources available to anyone who finds themselves suddenly without a paycheque during the COVID-19 pandemic—available through both the province of Alberta and the Canadian government. Visit alberta.ca/COVID-19 for details. Locally, the City has taken action to help minimize the financial impact its community members face in light of the pandemic, including cancelling late payment charges for unpaid utility bills, etc. You can find out more at wetaskiwin.ca/COVID-19.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, provides daily updates on COVID-19 and the ongoing work to protect public health of Albertans.

Stronger public health measures

Mandatory, province-wide restrictions are in effect to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. Protecting Alberta’s healthcare capacity ensures that Albertans get the care they need when they need it.

See active case rates in your region
See current public health measures in effect
Learn about the health system capacity in COVID-19
Outbreak update from the Government of Canada
Global situation dashboard from the World Health Organization

All Albertans 12 and older are now eligible to get vaccinated. Alberta's vaccination program was completed in stages to ensure people most at risk got vaccinated first. Everyone who wants a vaccine, will get a vaccine.

Book your shot at a participating pharmacy
Book your shot through the AHS online booking tool
Call Health Link at 811

Every Albertan who can get vaccinated, should get vaccinated

Vaccines make our immune systems stronger by building antibodies to help prevent and fight off diseases. Because COVID-19 is a new virus, no one has natural immunity. It is much safer and more effective to get immunized than it is to get infected.

Albertans born in 2009 or before and those who have recovered from COVID-19 should get vaccinated. Consult your doctor first if you have questions about the vaccine or your health conditions. Children under 12 (born 2010 or after) do not get vaccinated nor do those with severe allergy to vaccine ingredients.

Rules for fully vaccinated people

Once both doses take effect, you are less likely to become severely sick with COVID-19. But, health experts do not yet know if the vaccine prevents vaccinated people from spreading the virus. They must continue reviewing emerging evidence on asymptomatic and variant transmission before safely altering public health guidelines.

Until most Albertans are protected, fully vaccinated people must continue following all public health measures: no indoor social gatherings, keep 2 metres apart from others, wear a mask in public, wash your hands, and stay home when feeling unwell.

Follow up: get your second dose
Access your immunization records through MyHealth Records

Vaccine safety

Thanks to worldwide collaboration, COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly without compromising safety. Every approved vaccine has met Health Canada's strict standards for safety, quality and effectiveness. All vaccines are safe, effective and save lives.

Learn about the AstraZeneca vaccine
Learn about the Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech vaccines

Need a ride?

Isolated seniors and those with mobility challenges can call 211 to get help finding a ride to and from their vaccination appointment.

Contact 211 to get help finding a ride

Need time off work?

All working Albertans can access 3 hours of paid, job-protected leave to get each dose of the vaccine.

Paid COVID-19 vaccination leave

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person, and may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. Evidence indicates that the virus can be transmitted to others from someone who is infected but not showing symptoms. This includes people who have not yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic) or never develop symptoms (asymptomatic).

Core symptoms

Some of the more commonly reported symptoms (core symptoms) include:

• Fever (temperature equal to or over 38°C)
• Cough (new cough or worsening chronic cough)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (new or worsening)
• Runny nose or sore throat (core symptoms for adults)
• Loss of sense of smell or taste (core symptoms for children under 18)

If you have any of these core symptoms, you need to isolate for at least 10 days from the start of your symptoms or until they are gone, whichever is longer, or until you test negative.

Other symptoms

If you have any of these other symptoms, stay home and minimize your contact with others until your symptoms resolve:

• Chills
• Painful swallowing
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• Feeling unwell, fatigue or severe exhaustion
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite)
• Loss of sense of smell or taste (core symptoms for children under 18)
• Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye

Adults over 18 with any non-core symptom should stay home and limit contact with others until symptoms are gone. Testing is recommended.

A child under 18 with only one non-core symptom should stay home and be monitored for 24 hours. Testing is not needed if symptoms improve. The child can resume normal activities when they feel well. A child with two or more non-core symptoms, or if one symptom gets worse, should get tested. They should stay home until the symptoms go away, or they test negative and feel better.

Monitor your symptoms

Monitor your health and call Health Link 811, or your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns. Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.

Book a test

You should stay home and get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptom or known exposure to COVID-19. Book a testing appointment online with the AHS assessment tool or call Health Link 811. Call 911 immediately if experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.

Use the COVID-19 Testing / Online Booking tool
Learn about the rapid testing program

Be an influenza champion

Influenza immunization will protect you and your loved ones, as well as vulnerable seniors, children and those with chronic health conditions. By keeping the number of influenza cases and outbreaks low, we can also do our part to help healthcare workers focus on the COVID-19 response.

Immunization options have changed. The easiest way for most Albertans to get a flu shot is to call their local pharmacy or doctor's office.

Learn more about Influenza Immunization

Variants are viruses that have changed or mutated while reproducing inside an infected person’s cells. The variant can be spread to others and may continue to mutate as it moves from person to person.

New variant strains of COVID-19 were originally identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, and have since been identified in many other countries around the world. These strains are known as variants of concern, as they appear to spread more easily than other COVID-19 strains. Alberta is monitoring for these variants of concern. Confirmed variant cases are updated daily.

See variant case data in Alberta

What we know

Scientists and public health officials around the world are studying variant strains and how the current vaccines may help protect against them. Current evidence suggests the variants of concern are more contagious and spread more easily than the original COVID-19 strain.

While it is not yet clear if these new variants cause more severe illness, there is concern that increased spread would result in more illness, hospitalizations and deaths if they become common in our communities. Symptoms in variant cases are the same as usual COVID-19, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, and sore throat.

See the full list of symptoms
Learn more about variants of the virus that causes COVID-19​​

Who needs to isolate or quarantine

Isolating and quarantining help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people you could infect if you're sick. Both require staying home and avoiding situations where the virus could spread. COVID-19 testing is available to all Albertans with symptoms, close contacts of confirmed cases and those linked to an outbreak.

Take the online assessment to arrange testing
Tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms but tested negative
Household close contacts and close contacts of confirmed cases
How to prepare for isolation and quarantine

To protect the health and safety of Albertans, public health orders can be legally-enforced and fines issued for violations.

Isolation and quarantine requirements for vaccinated Albertans

If you are fully-vaccinated* and are exposed to a COVID-19 case, and you have no symptoms, you are not required to quarantine. If you do have symptoms, you must isolate for 10 days and should get tested (your isolation can end early if you test negative).

If you are partially vaccinated* and are exposed to a COVID-19 case, and you have no symptoms, you must quarantine for 10 days and should get tested. Your quarantine can end early if you test negative on day 7 or later. If you test negative before day 7, you must remain in quarantine and need a second negative test on day 7 or later to end quarantine.

If you do have symptoms, you must isolate and should get tested, and you test negative before day 7, you must continue to quarantine (10 days total from exposure date). If you test negative on day 7 or later and your symptoms have resolved, your quarantine can end.

*You are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving both doses in a 2-dose vaccine series, or 1 dose in a 1 dose vaccine series. You are considered partially vaccinated 14 days after receiving the first dose in a 2-dose vaccine series.

Mandatory quarantine for returning international travellers
Canadians are legally required to quarantine for 14 days if you return to or enter Alberta from outside Canada, even if you have been vaccinated. If you become sick with a known COVID-19 symptom during this time, you must isolate for an additional 10 days from the beginning of symptoms or until you are feeling well, whichever takes longer.

Get help to isolate or quarantine

Financial support is available if you're unable to work because you are sick, required to isolate, or are caring for someone in isolation. See all programs.

Free hotel rooms are available for people who must isolate or quarantine but cannot do so safely in their own homes. Staying in a hotel room allows you to safely self-isolate or quarantine without exposing other household members to COVID-19.

Alberta Health Services will review requests on a case-by-case basis to determine if additional supports are required to support isolation. Adults who complete hotel isolation may be eligible for $625 upon completion of their stay. Call 211 if you need to access isolation hotels.

Learn more about isolating at aa designated hotel

Enforcement

If you violate a public health order you may be subject to a $2,000 fine, and can be prosecuted for up to $100,000 for a first offence. You may get a ticket at the time of an incident or post-infraction. Someone who isn’t charged immediately may receive a ticket after authorities do further investigation.

Unpaid fines are backstopped with fine collection actions and restrictions on registry services. You may have to pay your outstanding fine before you can renew your driver’s licence. Repeat offenders will be targeted with a new multi-agency enforcement framework.

If you are concerned someone is not following public health orders, you can remind them that not following orders is against the law and puts people at risk. Alternatively, you can request service from AHS public health inspectors online or by calling 1-833-415-9179.

Submit a complaint online; Help Save Lives

ABTraceTogether is a mobile contact tracing app that helps to let you know if you've been exposed to COVID-19 – or if you've exposed others – while protecting your privacy.

Quickly identifying and isolating positive cases is an important part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and preventing the spread. The more Albertans who voluntarily download and use the app, the safer we'll be, and the faster we can reopen the economy.

How ABTraceTogether works
Download ABTraceTogether on the App Store
Download ABTraceTogether on Google Play

Help keep yourself and others safe

When you venture out in public, avoid close contact with others and use the ABTraceTogether app. ABTraceTogether uses your phone's Bluetooth to keep an anonymous log of other app users you've been in close contact with.

Have questions? Get answers.

Get exposed. Get notified.

If you're exposed to COVID-19, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will use information from ABTraceTogether to contact you on the number you used to register your account. AHS contact tracers will tell you about your risk of exposure and the actions you should take. If you get COVID-19, you'll be asked to volunteer your ABTraceTogether logs so other users that you've had close contact with can be notified.

Your privacy is protected

Your personal data is only stored on your phone for 21 days in an encrypted format. Your information will not be shared with AHS contact tracers without your permission.

See how your data is kept safe

How it compares to the federal COVID Alert

ABTraceTogether is a contact tracing tool connected to Alberta's contact tracing system. If you test positive, contact tracers will directly notify people at risk, ensure they isolate, and support them in their recovery. The technology in ABTraceTogether has been used successfully in Australia, Singapore and other jurisdictions.

The federal COVID Alert is an exposure notification tool. It relies on infected users to send out an alert to people they've exposed without directly involving contact tracers.

Current scams

There are a number of reported scams related to COVID-19.

Listing of known COVID-19 scams
Verify that a charity is registered
Learn about cyber security

COVID-19 vaccines frauds and scams

Do not buy COVID-19 vaccines online or from unauthorized sources. The only way to access safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is through clinics organized or endorsed by your local public health authority in collaboration with Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments.

Learn about vaccines that are approved for use in Canada

CERB and CESB payment scams

We will not reach out by text or email to ask you to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), and we will not notify you by text or email that you have received a payment. The CERB and CESB are now closed to applications. You can no longer apply for these benefits.

CERB and CESB repayment scams

Beware of fraudulent emails, texts or calls about repaying the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or repaying the Canada Emergency Student Benefit. There are official ways to make a repayment.

When a scammer contacts you:

If someone says they are from the Government

Many frauds and scams attempt to mimic real federal government services to gain access to your personal and financial information.

Identifying a Service Canada or 1 800 O-Canada fraudulent call
Identifying a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) fraudulent call

If someone says they are from a financial institution

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is warning Canadians to be very cautious when receiving emails or text messages that appear to be from a financial institution asking for personal or financial information.

Financial institution fraudulent call

Reporting a fraud or scam

If you or a family member have been contacted by a scammer, report it to us — even if you didn't give them any money.

What to do if you're a victim of fraud
Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

This 3 stage roadmap outlines how restrictions will ease while protecting the healthcare system and increasing vaccination rates in the province. COVID-19 transmission will continue to be monitored. If required, a stage may be paused to respond to trends at regional or provincial levels.

Sustained reopening will require Albertans to get fully vaccinated with 2 doses during the summer to prevent future spread. These restriction changes apply province-wide. Additional details will be released before each stage.

Stage 1 reopening starts June 1

Stage 1: Two weeks after 50% of Albertans 12-plus (born in 2009 or earlier) have received at least one dose and hospitalizations are below 800 and declining. Effective June 1 unless stated otherwise.

• Indoor social gatherings are still not permitted
• Outdoor social gatherings: up to 10 people
• Outdoor physical, performance and recreation activities: up to 10 distanced people, all ages
• Places of worship: 15% of fire code occupancy (effective May 28)
• Wedding ceremonies: up to 10 people, including officiant, bride/groom, witnesses (receptions remain prohibited)Funeral services: up to 20 people, not including facility staff, funeral clergy or organizers not considered guests (receptions remain prohibited)
• Personal and wellness services: reopen, by appointment only
• Restaurants: 4 people per table max, outdoors, households only or 2 close contacts for those living alone
• Retail: 15% of fire code occupancy (must maintain ability to distance)
• Distancing and masking requirements remain in effect

Stage 2 reopening

Stage 2: Two weeks after 60% of Albertans 12-plus (born in 2009 or earlier) have received at least one dose and hospitalizations are below 500 and declining. Expected to be in effect mid-June.

• Outdoor social gatherings: up to 20 people with distancing (indoor social gatherings still not permitted)
• Indoor recreation, entertainment and other settings (rec centres, arenas, casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries, libraries, etc.) open at 1/3 of fire code occupancy
• Gyms and fitness studios open for solo and drop-in activities and indoor fitness classes with 3 metre distancing
• Funeral services: up to 20 people, indoors and outdoors (receptions permitted outdoors only)
• Wedding ceremonies: up to 20 people, indoors and outdoors (receptions permitted outdoors only)
• Places of worship: 1/3 of fire code occupancy
• Personal and wellness services: resume walk-in service
• Post-secondary: resume in-person learning
• Restaurants: 6 people per table max, indoors or outdoors
• Retail: 1/3 of fire code occupancy (must maintain ability to distance)
• Youth activities (day camps, play centres) resume with restrictions
• Youth and adult sports resume with no restrictions, indoors and outdoors
• Outdoor public gatherings (concerts/festivals) up to 150 people
• Outdoor fixed seating facilities (grandstands) 1/3 seated capacity
• Work from home order is lifted but still recommended
• Distancing and masking requirements remain in effect

Stage 3 reopening

Stage 3: Two weeks after 70% of Albertans 12-plus (born in 2009 or earlier) have received at least one dose. Expected to be effective in late June or early July.

• All restrictions lifted, including ban on indoor social gatherings
• Isolation requirements for confirmed cases of COVID-19 and some protective measures in continuing care settings remain

Indoor social gatherings
Mandatory province-wide restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

All indoor gatherings are prohibited (public and private). Close contacts are limited to household members only. People who live alone can have up to 2 close contacts:

• The same two contacts throughout the duration of the restriction
• If the close contacts do not live alone, visits cannot be held at their home
• Single parents who only live with their children under 18 can have up to 2 close contacts

• Co-parenting arrangements
• Home maintenance and repairs
• Mutual support group meetings
• Service visits from caregivers, health or childcare providers:
• Childcare can include providing post-partum support for new mothers
• Parents are allowed to remain in the home while another person is there to provide childcare services

Outdoor social gatherings
Mandatory province-wide restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• 20 people maximum for all outdoor social gatherings

• Mandatory physical distancing must be maintained at all times between members of different households
• Outdoor gatherings must not have an indoor component (movement in/out of homes is not permitted

Funerals
Mandatory province-wide restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Mandatory physical distancing between households remain in effect
• Mask use is mandatory
• Maximum limits apply to any any facility, including places of worship and funeral homes (seated or non-seated events)

Weddings
Mandatory province-wide restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Wedding ceremonies and receptions: 20 people maximum including the officiant, bride/groom, witnesses and any photographers/videographers
• Receptions are permitted outdoors only

• Mandatory physical distancing between households remain in effect
• Mask use is mandatory for indoor services
• The maximum limit applies to any facility, including places of worship (seated or non-seated events)

Places of worship
Mandatory province-wide restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Indoor faith service attendance is limited to 1/3 of fire code occupancy
• Outdoor faith service attendance is limited to 150 people

• Virtual, online or drive-in services where people do not have to leave their vehicles are recommended
• Mandatory physical distancing between households must be maintained
• Mask use is mandatory for indoor services:
  • Faith leaders and other speakers can remove their masks while speaking if there is a distance of 2 metres (masks must be put on again once finished speaking)
  • Performers must wear masks at all times
• Group performance activities, such as choir singing and playing music, are permitted if they are normal worship practices and not for the purpose of entertainment
• In-person faith group meetings and other religious gatherings are:
  • Not permitted in private homes while these measures are in effect
  • Permitted when conducted at a place of worship as long as physical distancing and public health measures are followed

Out-of-town travel and visitors
Mandatory province-wide restrictions in effect.

Returning to Alberta:

If you do not have a household in Alberta, you must not stay in other people’s homes while these restrictions are in place. If you belong to the household, you are permitted to return to the home, for example child returning home from post-secondary.

Visitors to Alberta:

Out-of-town visitors cannot stay in other people's homes while these restrictions are in place, regardless of where they are coming from.

Schools, post-secondary and child care
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in all areas of the province returned to in-person learning as of June 1
• Post-secondary schools returned to in-person learning as of June 10
• Childcare facilities can remain open

Fitness, recreation and sport activities (indoor and outdoor)
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

Indoor fitness and recreation facilities:

• Indoor recreation facilities (such as arenas, indoor wave pools, children play centres, bowling alleys and rec centres) can open at 1/3 of fire code occupancy
• Gyms and fitness studios can open for solo and drop-in activities, one-on-one training, and indoor fitness classes

Additional safety measures include:

• 3 metres of physical distancing must be maintained at all times
• Indoor fitness spaces, including spaces for group fitness classes, are limited to the number of people able to fit in the space while maintaining 3 metre distance from each other at all times
• Pools, steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs within a fitness facility may operate at one-third capacity (2 metre distance between households)
• Trainers and instructors may be able to come within 3 metres distance of a client/participant for brief moments to correct form or help demonstrate, however, they must be masked during the interaction and sanitize hands before and after
• Masking is no longer required for exercise but is strongly encouraged for all participants, especially during indoor exercise classes or in small spaces with limited ventilation
• Masking is still required when not engaging in the fitness activity, such as while moving between fitness equipment or changing in locker rooms

Outdoor fitness and recreation facilities:

• Outdoor fitness classes and groups are allowed with no capacity limits, as long as 2 metres distance is maintained between members of different households at all times
• Outdoor recreation facilities can open with no capacity limits, but 2 metres distance must be maintained between members of different households (examples include outdoor pools and spray parks, golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, croquet pitches, running and bicycle tracks, velodromes)

Sport and recreation activities:

• All indoor and outdoor sport and recreation activities are permitted provincewide, including team sports, group practices or training, games, competitions and league play
• Physical distancing is not required during game play or sports practice, but is required outside of play/practice
• Masks are required for indoor sports that are primarily low-intensity physical activities (bowling)

Spectators:

• Spectators can attend indoor and outdoor physical activities and performances:
  • 1/3 venue capacity for indoor activities (arenas, theatres) and for outdoor fixed-seated (grandstand) events
  • 150 people maximum for non-fixed seated events (this limit includes spectators, athletes/performers, production teams, referees and coaches)
  • 2 metres of physical distancing must be maintained at all times

Youth day and overnight camps:

• Camps can operate with cohorts of 50 or fewer participants
  • Cohort is a group of participants and staff who stay together for duration of camp
  • Camps can have multiple cohorts (no capacity limit) but cohorts must be separated at all times, including dining and activities
  • Participants should reside in the same accommodation as the rest of their cohort for the duration of their stay (no rotating)
• Masks are required in all communal indoor areas, but not in the accommodation area.

School activities:

• Students may participate in physical, performance and recreation activities as part of their education program inside a school building or at an outdoor location, with no restrictions

Professional sport organizations:

• Professional sport organizations that have received an exemption can continue, as long as protocols are strictly followed

Performance activities (indoor and outdoor)
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Indoor performance activities are permitted, including dancing, singing, acting or playing a musical instrument
• Rehearsals or theatrical performances

Additional safety requirements:

• Performance activities can occur in any indoor or outdoor facility that is allowed to be open, with capacity limits.
• Masking is required while rehearsing and practicing indoor performance activities, including singing
• Masking is not required during the live performance (examples include during filming or with a live audience)

Outdoor public events and gatherings
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Outdoor public gatherings (such as concerts and festivals) are permitted with up to 150 people
• Outdoor fixed seating facilities (such as grandstands) are limited to 1/3 of their total seated capacity
• Masks must be worn indoors (going inside for snacks or to the washroom)

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges and cafes
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Indoor and outdoor dining is permitted
• 6 people per table maximum (different households can dine together at a table)
• Takeout, curbside pickup and delivery are encouraged

• Contact information must be collected from one person of the dining party
• Tables and dining parties must be 2 metres apart or separated by an impermeable barrier that will prevent droplet transmission
• Individuals must stay seated with their dining party unless using the washroom, paying, or entering/exiting the facility (masks must be worn indoors when not at your table)
• Liquor service ends at 11pm
• Dining must close by midnight
• VLTs are permitted. No other forms of entertainment allowed (pool tables, live music, etc.).
• Dinner theatres are permitted at 1/3 capacity

Retail
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Customer capacity limited to 1/3 of fire code occupancy, or 5 customers, whichever is greater (staff are not included in this total)
• Shopping mall capacity limits exclude common area square footage

Examples of retail services:

• Retail businesses
• Shopping centres and malls
• Grocery stores, markets and pharmacies
• Clothing and sporting goods stores
• Computer and technology stores
• Hardware and automotive
• Liquor and cannabis
• Pet supply stores
• Gift shops

• Curbside pick-up, delivery and online services are encouraged
• Shop alone or only with the people you live with (see tips for shoppers)

Entertainment facilities
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Entertainment businesses and entities can open with capacity limited to 1/3 of fire code occupancy
• Nightclubs must remain closed until Stage 3

Examples of entertainment facilities:

• Casinos, bingo halls, gaming centres
• Racing centres, horse tracks, raceways
• Bowling alleys, pool halls
• Art galleries and museums
• Libraries
• Science and interpretive centres
• Amusement and water parks
• Children’s play centres and indoor playgrounds
• Movie theatres, auditoria and concert halls

Personal and wellness services
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• All personal and wellness services can open for appointments and walk-in service
  • Services should be limited to one-on-one
  • Businesses must follow all current public health guidance
  • Home-based businesses must follow the restrictions for the type of service they provide

Examples of personal services:

• Esthetics, manicure, pedicure, body waxing, make-up
• Body, nose and ear piercing, and tattoos
• Artificial tanning and spray tanning
• Facial, eyebrow and eyelash treatments
• Cosmetic skin and body treatments
• Laser hair and tattoo removal
• Hairstyling and barbering

Examples of wellness services:

• Floatation tanks
• Reflexology
• Colonic irrigation

Health, social and professional services
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

Regulated health services, including:

• Physicians, dentists
• Physical therapists
• Optometrists
• Chiropractors
• Hearing aid practitioners
• Acupuncturists
• Naturopaths

Non-regulated health services, including:

• Massage therapists (a prescription or referral is no longer required)
• Manual osteopaths
• Kinesiologists
• Athletic therapists

Professional services, including:

• Lawyers
• Mediators
• Accountants
• Photographers

Social services, including:

• Social, protective or emergency services
• Shelters for vulnerable persons
• Not-for-profit community kitchens, religious kitchens and soup kitchens

Hotels, banquet halls, community halls and conference centres
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Hotel, motel, hunting and fishing lodge facilities must operate by the same rules as restaurants, retail, fitness centres and pools (refer to sections above for details)
  • Banquet halls, community halls and conference centres:
  • Permitted activities include:
    • Wedding ceremonies up to 20 people
    • Funeral services up to 20 people
    • Tradeshows at 1/3 capacity
  • Prohibited activities include:
    • Indoor wedding or funeral receptions (permitted outdoors only)

Working from home and workplace transmission prevention
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective June 10, 2021.

• Working from home is recommended (but no longer mandatory) if the employer does not require the employee's physical presence to operate effectively
• Employees must wear a mask in all indoor workplaces, except in workstations or where 2-metre distancing or adequate physical barriers are in place, or a workplace hazard assessment determines there is a safety risk
• Any workplace with transmission of 3 or more cases will be required to close for 10 days (work camps, essential and critical services are exempt)
• Any workplace that does not comply will be subject to enforcement
• See workplace closures for more information

Public health orders and exemptions

Download or view Alberta's current public health orders

Mask exemptions

Anyone unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition will require a medical exception letter from an authorized health professional. The medical exception letter may be presented when in a public setting if requested by enforcement officials, or retrospectively in court if a ticket is issued.

See mask requirements for more information.

Promoting safe public spaces

Public Health Order 30-2021 clarifies that large gatherings can be held on public land for political purposes (rallies, public demonstrations, protests, etc.).

To help protect health, masking and physical distancing requirements are in place. As with other activities in general, participants at these gatherings are subject to enforcement actions if public health measures are not followed.

To reinforce the importance of following public health orders and the consequences of not doing so, fines will double to $2,000 for Public Health Act violations. To do this, an Order in Council will amend the Procedures Regulation of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act to enable the increased fines to take effect as soon as possible.

Repeat offenders, whether individuals, organizations or businesses, who are repeatedly or continuously violating public health orders will be targeted with a new enforcement protocol. The protocol is now in place and will be used to coordinate a multi-agency response to repeat offenders.

If one organization is unable to gain compliance, a coalition of enforcement partners will work with each other to respond as quickly as possible with the most effective measures to gain compliance in that situation. The protocol also outlines steps for ongoing monitoring, which will assist authorities with deciding how to escalate legal and regulatory consequences against offenders that refuse to comply with previous enforcement measures.

Partners in the provincial group include Alberta Health Services, Occupational Health and Safety, Alberta Prosecution Service and local police services. Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis will also participate when cases involve licensees or activities under its jurisdiction.

As is the case with the public health orders themselves, the goal of this enforcement protocol is to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and the resulting threat to public health and strain on the healthcare system.

Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s healthcare system.

If you are concerned someone is not following a public health order, you can remind them that not following orders is against the law and puts people at risk, or you can report your concern directly to AHS Public Health Inspectors online or by calling 1-833-415-9179.

Albertans and Alberta businesses must follow the orders issued by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, under the Public Health Act.

Guidance updates in progress

Alberta’s guidance documents are being streamlined so they remain easy to understand and up-to-date with current public health measures. Guidance has been removed for businesses and activities not currently permitted. Other guidance documents, where appropriate, will be replaced with more up-to-date versions.

If you can’t find the guidance you’re looking for, please consult the general operational guidance for public health requirements applicable to all settings and activities. If your business is open, you must follow all public health orders and general and sector-specific guidance.

General Guidance

Guidance supports for all workplaces

• Alberta Health daily checklist (May 2021)
• General operational guidance (April 2021)
• Hand sanitizer (June 2020)
• Industry-initiated COVID-19 testing (February 2021)
• Masks (non-medical) (October 2020)
• OHS resources
• Posters
• Public health orders
• Workplace closures (May 2021)

Sector Guidance

Businesses, community and cultural events, and organizations

• Disability service providers (June 2020)
• Drive-in events (June 2021)
• Homeless shelters (AHS)
• Libraries (April 2021)
• Performing arts (April 2021)
• Personal and wellness services (June 2021)
• Places of worship (June 2021)
• Private and municipal campgrounds (April 2021)
• Public demonstrations and protests (June 2021)
• Screen-based production industry (May 2021)
• Seniors centres and seniors serving organizations (September 2020)
• Virtual meetings and events (April 2021)
• Wedding and funerals (June 2021)

Child care

• Family day homes (April 2021)
• Preschools, daycare and out of school care (April 2021)

Education

K-12 school re-entry guidance:

• 2020-21 School Re-entry Plan (July 2020)
• Scenario 1 guidance (June 2021)

Restaurant and food sector

• Food processing facilities (June 2020)
• Food service and sales (June 2021)

Retail, manufacturing, industrial and commerce

• Home-based, mobile and door-to-door operations (September 2020)
• Industrial work camps (June 2020)
• Large production facility rapid response plans (June 2020)
• Office buildings (September 2020)
• Retail businesses (June 2021)
• Warehouses (June 2020)

Sport and recreation

• Equestrian events (June 2021)
• Rodeos (June 2021)
• Sport, fitness and recreation (June 2021)
• Swimming pools and whirlpools (April 2021)

Personal protective equipment

As businesses prepare to reopen, it's important to take measures to protect employees and customers:

• Practice good hygiene and thorough cleaning and disinfecting
• Use Health Canada approved hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers for use against COVID-19
• Conduct a hazard assessment to identify existing and potential hazards related to COVID-19
• Aid physical separation through barriers (Plexiglas), signage, floor markings and traffic flow controls to limit people in a space

Business owners can purchase PPE

Connect to PPE suppliers using the websites below. The government is not responsible for products or prices offered on these sites.

• Rapid Response Platform Canada
• ATB Nexus
• Federal Supply Hub

What does physical distancing mean?

Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical (social) distance between each other. Physical distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. This means making changes in your everyday routines in order to minimize close contact with others, including:

• Avoiding crowded places and gatherings
• Avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
• Limiting contact with people at higher risk (older adults and those in poor health)
• Keeping a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, as much as possible
• Follow Alberta’s restrictions on mass gatherings

Other steps you can take:

• Wear a mask in public when distancing is not possible
• Download and use the ABTraceTogether mobile contact tracing app while out in public
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol)
• Use gloves properly if you choose to wear them (they are not necessary)
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Watch for COVID-19 symptoms
• Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to arrange testing if you have any symptoms

Learn more about physical distancing

Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, Community Peace Officers, in addition to Police, have been granted full authority to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders.

Fines administered through tickets for violating an order have increased from up to $100 per day to a prescribed fine of $1,000 per occurrence. Courts will also have increased powers to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations.

COVID-19 orders and legislation

COVID-19: Mandatory mask requirements

Effective December 8, 2020, masks are mandatory across Alberta in all:

• Indoor public places
• Places of worship
• Indoor workplaces, except when working alone in an office or a safely distanced cubicle or a barrier is in place
• Farm operations (exempt)

This workplace requirement:

• Applies to all employees, customers, visitors, delivery personnel and contractors
• Includes all workplace locations where masks won’t pose a safety risk
• Does not change current student mask requirements in schools

Read about the Mandatory, province-wide restrictions in effect

Why use a mask

Wearing a homemade or non-medical mask in public is another tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. It hasn’t been proven that masks protect the person wearing it, but it can help protect people from being exposed to your germs. Masks should complement, not replace, other prevention measures. Continue physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and stay home when sick.

Face shields

Face shields do not replace masks or face coverings. A face shield is used to protect the eyes of the person wearing it.

Using a face shield without a mask won’t protect you from potentially inhaling infectious respiratory droplets exhaled by others, nor will it protect others from your infectious respiratory droplets, as they can escape around the face shield.

If you’re unable to wear a mask or face covering, you may want to wear a face shield. Choose one that extends around the sides of the face and below the chin. You’ll still need to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres, and practice good hand hygiene, especially if you touch the face shield.

Neck gaiters (neck warmers)

Neck gaiters (also known as neck warmers) are not recommended because they aren’t well secured to the head or ears, are likely to move or slip out of place, and are difficult to remove without contaminating yourself.

If a neck gaiter must be used as a face covering, it should be folded to provide at least 3 layers of fabric and should include a filter or filter fabric added between layers. Lift it away from your face, especially when taking it off, and wash your hands or use alcohol based hand sanitizer anytime you need to adjust it, especially when putting it on and taking it off.

Masks with exhalation valves

Masks with exhalation valves or vents are not recommended. These masks do not protect others from COVID-19 or limit the spread of the virus. This is because they allow infectious respiratory droplets to spread outside the mask.

Medical masks

Medical masks include N95 masks and surgical or procedure masks. N95 masks protect from exposure to biological aerosols that may contain viruses or bacteria. They are generally only required during specific, high-risk medical procedures. Surgical or procedure masks provide a barrier to splashes, droplets, saliva or spit. They are not designed to fit tightly against the face.

These masks should be kept for healthcare workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. They may also be recommended for use in some workplaces, like salons, where there is prolonged close contact with people.

Gloves

It is not necessary to wear gloves in public. If you choose to wear gloves, remember to wash your hands before you put them on and immediately after taking them off. Change the gloves if you touch your face, cover a cough or sneeze with your hands, or if they become dirty or torn. Always discard the gloves in a lined garbage bin after taking them off.

To avoid spreading germs or COVID-19, do not touch your face or mask with your gloves, do not touch any personal items (cell phone, bag, credit card) that you might touch again with bare hands, and do not try to wash gloves or use hand sanitizer with gloves on.

When worn properly, a person wearing a non-medical mask or face covering can reduce the spread of his or her own infectious respiratory droplets. Non-medical face masks or face coverings should:

• Allow for easy breathing
• Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
• Maintain their shape after washing and drying
• Be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty
• Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustment
• Be made of at least 2 layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen)
• Be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping

Some masks also include a pocket to accommodate a paper towel or disposable coffee filter, for increased benefit. Non-medical masks or face coverings should not:

• Be shared with others
• Impair vision or interfere with tasks
• Be placed on children under the age of 2 years
• Be made of plastic or other non-breathable materials
• Be secured with tape or other inappropriate materials
• Be made exclusively of materials that easily fall apart, such as tissues
• Be placed on anyone unable to remove them without assistance or anyone who has trouble breathing

Homemade masks are not medical devices and are not regulated like medical masks and respirators. Their use poses a number of limitations:

• They have not been tested to recognized standards
• The fabrics are not the same as used in surgical masks or respirators
• The edges are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth
• They may not provide complete protection against virus-sized particles
• They can be difficult to breathe through and can prevent you from getting the required amount of oxygen needed by your body

How to wear a mask with ear loops or ties

• Before putting on the mask, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol
• Ensure your hair is away from your face (a non-medical facemask can be safely worn by someone with facial hair)
• Check the mask for damage; if damaged, discard
• Open the mask fully to cover from your nose to below your chin
• Place mask over nose and mouth and secure to your head with ties or ears with ear loops (depending on style of mask)
• If the mask has a nose bar, pinch around your nose to reduce gaps between your face and mask
• Adjust if needed to make sure your nose and mouth are fully covered
• Avoid touching the mask while wearing it; if you need to adjust your mask, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water before and after you touch it
• Keep your nose, mouth and chin covered at all times, until you are ready to remove the mask

How to remove a mask with ear loops or ties

• Remove your mask if it becomes wet, torn, dirty or the ear loops/ties become damaged
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol before you remove the mask
• Do not touch the front of the mask. Remove using the ties or ear loops
• Dispose of your mask in a lined garbage bin and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol

What not to do with your mask

• Do not touch your face under the mask
• Do not use a ripped, visibly soiled or wet mask or if the ear loops/ties are damaged
• Don’t wear the same mask for a long period of time; it must be changed when it gets damp
• Don’t share your mask with another person
• Don’t wear the mask below your nose or chin
• Don’t let the mask give you a false sense of security; masks are meant to be used to as an addition to other measures such as physical distancing wherever possible, and hand washing

Cleaning and disposing of non-medical masks and face coverings

If you plan to reuse the mask, wash it before wearing it again. Change your cloth mask as soon as it gets damp or soiled by putting it directly into the washing machine, and washing it with other items using a hot cycle, and then dry thoroughly.

Non-medical masks that cannot be washed should be discarded and replaced as soon as they get damp, soiled or crumpled. Dispose of masks properly in a lined garbage bin after use, and do not leave discarded masks in shopping carts or on the ground.

Service Canada provides Canadians with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits. They are committed to improving services for Canadians by working with partners to provide access to the full range of government services and benefits that Canadians want and need through the Internet, by telephone, in person or by mail.

• Attention! Service Canada Ready to Help
• Learn more about Service Canada
• Learn about Employment and Social Development Canada

Private and non-profit businesses can apply for funding to offset the cost of hiring and training unemployed or underemployed Albertans into new or vacant full-time jobs.

Employers can get up to $25,000 for each new hire, or $37,500 for each new employee with a disability. Workers cannot apply for the program directly, but can let potential employers know they can apply for the Alberta Jobs Now program if they hire you.

Apply for the first of 3 intake periods by August 31.

Learn more about the Alberta Jobs Now program

Employment Insurance (EI) program

The government has made temporary changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program to better support Canadians who need financial assistance. As of September 27, 2020, the minimum benefit rate is $500 per week before taxes in most cases.

Learn more about the Employment Insurance (EI) program
Apply for EI

If you are not eligible for EI benefits, you may be eligible for the new benefits:

• Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

The CRB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who have stopped working or had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).

Learn more about CRB

Supporting families with children under the age of six

The Canada Child Benefit young child supplement (CCBYCS) is providing temporary additional support in 2021 of up to $1,200 to families with children under the age of six.

You must be entitled to receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in January, April, July or October 2021 to receive the CCBYCS. If you already receive the CCB, you will not need to apply for this benefit.

Find out more about the CCBYCS

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who:

• Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
• Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
• Have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

Learn more about CRSB

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

The CRCB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child (under the age of 12) or family member, because schools, daycares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19, or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine, or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.

Mortgage payment deferral

Homeowners facing financial hardship may be eligible for a mortgage payment deferral of up to six months. The deferral is an agreement between you and your lender. Typically, the agreement indicates that you and your lender have agreed to pause or suspend your mortgage payments for a certain amount of time. After the agreement ends, your mortgage payments return to normal and the deferred payments — including principal and accumulated interest – are added to the outstanding principal balance and subsequently repaid throughout the life of the mortgage.

To know if you are eligible for a mortgage payment deferral or to learn what options are available, contact your lender directly — your bank or your mortgage professional.

Emergency financial assistance

If you are facing an unexpected emergency, you can apply for emergency financial assistance. You can get help when a situation is caused by unforeseeable circumstances beyond your control, and it presents a severe health risk, and you cannot access other resources or wait until your next pay-cheque or Income Support benefit cheque.

Learn more about Alberta's emergency financial assistance

Canada Student Loan Interest Suspension

The federal government continues to waive the interest on the federal portion of Canada Student Loans.

Learn more about Canada Student Loans

All working Albertans can access 3 hours of paid, job-protected leave to get each dose of the vaccine.

Learn more about paid COVID-19 vaccination leave

Practical services for Seniors: delivery of items and personal outreach

The Government of Canada will provide immediate essential services to Canadian seniors impacted by COVID-19. The government will contribute $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports.

Contact your local organization

Collaborative Online Resources and Education for Seniors

Collaborative Online Resources and Education (CORE) provides a platform for seniors-serving organizations to improve delivery of services for older Albertan and seniors. The hub will make it easier for organizations to share resources and coordinate services, with a focus on key COVID-19 issues, including transportation, food security, social isolation and home supports.

CORE Alberta will support seniors-serving organizations to access training, COVID-19 information and resources, map where the greatest needs are across the province, and help seniors in more remote locations get the support they need.

The online hub cost $40,000 to develop. The Alberta government and partners will invest about $720,000 in inter-agency programs and initiatives that will be coordinated through CORE. Funding partners include Alberta Health Services, Alberta Blue Cross and the Government of Canada. The United Way of Calgary and Area will administer the hub and act as the project’s fiscal agent.

Learn more about CORE

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The Government of Canada is expanding the New Horizons for Seniors Program with an additional investment of $20 million to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network. For all organizations who received funding under the 2019-2020 New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based stream, funding can be used to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19.

Learn more about New Horizons for Seniors

Find financial help during COVID-19

Answer a few simple questions to get a list of benefits and supports tailored to you. Here, you’ll be asked 7 to 10 questions, one at a time, and then shown a list of benefits that may help in your situation. It will also have links for more information. Please answer the questions as an individual, not a household.

Find the support you need