COVID-19 public health actions

Mandatory restriction - Effective March 1

• The provincial mask mandate has been lifted for most settings, except:
  • on municipal and intra-provincial public transit for Albertans 13 and older
  • at all AHS operated and contracted facilities
  • at all continuing care settings
  • continuous masking must be followed for up to 5 days following mandatory isolation due to COVID infection for vaccinated individuals. For more information, see the isolation page.
• 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.

Learn more about masks

• 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 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 travellers must still follow federal travel requirements.

• Individuals with positive 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.

• 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.

• Masking is required in all AHS operated and contracted facilities, and all continuing care facilities.
• 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.

Public health orders

• Order 09-2022
• Order 02-2022
• Order 04-2022

In the specific settings where a mask is required, anyone unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition will require a medical exception letter from an authorized health professional. The letter may be presented if requested by enforcement officials, or retrospectively in court if a ticket is issued.

For more information, see mask requirements and exceptions.

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

• General guidance for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses - optional mitigations to protect the health of your staff and customers.

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

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

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).