Table of contents

Overview

All mandatory public health restrictions were lifted on June 14 as the Omicron BA.2 wave subsides and COVID-19 hospitalizations continues to decline.

Work is underway to prepare for the fall and winter respiratory virus season. This includes maintaining surveillance and testing programs and preparing to expand acute care capacity for short-term surges.

Vaccines are fundamental to Alberta's ability to live with COVID-19. Albertans are encouraged to get every vaccine dose they are eligible for.

Translated resources

COVID-19 resources are available in عربي, 中文, हिंदी, 한국어, فارسی, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, Af-Soomaali, Español, Français, Tagalog, Tiếng Việt and اردو on alberta.ca/CovidTranslated.

Public health measures

  • Masks

    • If a person chooses to wear one, 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.
    • Masking in Alberta Health Services and contracted health facilities has shifted to organizational policy.

    Learn more about masks

  • 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.

  • Isolation recommendations

    • Isolation is recommended for people who have COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive.
    • International travellers must still follow federal travel requirements.

  • Contact tracing and case investigation

    • Individuals with positive PCR tests will continue to be notified.
    • Contact tracers will not notify close contacts of positive cases, but will ask that individuals do so when informed of their positive result.
    • Contact tracers will continue to investigate cases in high-risk settings, such as acute and continuing care.

  • Outbreaks

    • Outbreak management and identification will focus on high-risk locations, including continuing and acute care and high-risk workplaces.
    • Community outbreaks with a surge in cases leading to severe outcomes will be addressed as needed.

  • Health care and congregate care settings

    • Masking in Alberta Health Services and contracted health facilities has shifted to organizational policy.
    • Existing public health orders for acute care remain in place.
    • Public health orders for continuing care remain in place.

    For more information on current restrictions in these settings, see protecting residents at congregate care facilities.

Guidance

  • Additional guidance for businesses and event organizers

    General guidance and resources are available to help Albertans and businesses follow best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Assessing personal risk

    You're encouraged to assess and manage your personal risk. It is reasonable to continue using precautions that serve your needs.

    Use the COVID-19 personal risk severity assessment tool to assess your risk of experiencing severe health outcomes if you are infected with COVID-19.

    Risk factors

    When assessing your personal risk, it is important to consider your setting, individual health and wellness factors, and comfort level. Consult your health care provider if you want help assessing your personal risk of severe outcomes or determining your personal risk level.

    Factors that increase COVID-19 risk:

    • you are not fully vaccinated yet
    • you regularly interact with children who cannot be vaccinated yet
    • you attend crowded indoor spaces
    • you have risk factors for severe health outcomes from COVID-19

    Factors that lower COVID-19 risk:

    • you are fully vaccinated
    • you mostly socialize outdoors, instead of indoors
    • you have a small social circle
    • you can normally maintain distancing from other people

    Additional precautions

    Vaccines are our best protection against COVID-19 and the safest and most effective way to protect against severe illness. Additionally, all Albertans should:

    • practice good hand and respiratory hygiene
    • stay home when they are sick

    If you have risk factors as described above, consider additional precautions such as:

    • avoiding or limiting time spent in crowded indoor places
    • minimizing close contact with anyone showing cold-like symptoms
    • continuing to use a face mask

  • Mental health supports

    We encourage Albertans to access mental health supports, if and when they are needed, and to respect how others are adjusting during this time of transition.

    For additional guidance, see mental health support (PDF, 270 KB).

Get vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. All Albertans 5 and older can book now.

Book your shot Get the facts

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