Premier Jason Kenney announced new province-wide measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 on Dec. 8.
All Albertans, businesses, organizations, and service providers must follow all new health measures. The restrictions will be in place for a minimum of four weeks.
“Alberta has sought to protect both lives and livelihoods from the beginning of the pandemic. The recent surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations will threaten our health-care system and the lives of many vulnerable Albertans unless further action is taken now. With the promise of a vaccine early in 2021, we can see the end of this terrible time. But all Albertans must take this more seriously than ever by staying home whenever possible, and following these new measures,” Kenney said.
As of Dec. 8, all indoor and outdoor social gatherings are prohibited, close contacts are limited to household members only, individuals who live alone will be allowed up to two close contacts for in-person visiting, with those two people remaining the same for the duration of the restriction period, and festivals, parades, events, concerts, exhibitions, competitions, sport, and performance remain prohibited.
The mandatory indoor public masking requirement has been extended province wide.
Public spaces include locations where a business or entity operates and applies to employees, visitors, and the general public.
Farm operations are excluded, and rental accommodations used solely for the purposes of a private residence are excluded.
Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 13, all places of worship will be limited to 15 per cent of fire code occupancy for in-person attendance, virtual or online services are strongly encouraged, drive-in services where individuals do not leave their vehicles and adhere to guidance will be permissible and are not subject to capacity restrictions, and mandatory mask mandate, physical distancing, and other guidelines remain in place.
Retail services must reduce customer capacity to 15 per cent of fire code occupancy, with a minimum of five customers permitted, curbside pickup, delivery, and online services are encouraged.
Restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges, and cafes will be closed to in-person service.
Only takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery services are permitted.
Casinos, bingo halls, gaming entertainment centres, racing entertainment centres, horse tracks, raceways, bowling alleys, pool halls, legions, and private clubs will be closed.
Recreational facilities including fitness centres, recreation centres, pools, spas, gyms, studios, day and overnight camps, indoor rinks, and arenas will be closed.
Outdoor recreation is permitted, but facilities with indoor spaces except for washrooms will be closed.
Entertainment businesses and entities including libraries, science centres, interpretive centres, museums, galleries, amusement parks, and water parks will be closed.
Hotels will remain open but must follow restrictions such as no spas, pools, or in-person dining.
Personal and wellness services, including hair salons, nail salons, massage, tattoos, and piercing, will be closed.
Health services, including physiotherapy or acupuncture, social or protective services, shelters for vulnerable persons, emergency services, childcare, and not-for-profit community kitchens or charitable kitchens will remain open for in-person attendance.
Mandatory work from home measures will be implemented unless the employer determines that work requires a physical presence for operational effectiveness.
“These mandatory measures will help us slow the spread of COVID-19. This will require individual sacrifices that are necessary to protect our province. It’s not just about one person, it’s about doing what we can to protect and save our loved ones, colleagues, neighbours, and even strangers. Following these public health measures is how we as Albertans care for and protect each other,” said the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
