March marks the beginning of spring and with it comes major changes to Alberta’s COVID-19 restrictions. As of March 1st Alberta has officially moved to Step 2 of it’s 3 step plan. Read up on the latest changes, what's been lifted and what's here to stay.
Changes to Alberta COVID-19 Restrictions
- Any remaining school requirements removed.
- Youth screening activities for entertainment and sport activities removed.
- Capacity on all large venues and entertainment venues lifted.
- Restrictions lifted on interactive activities, table limits, liquor sales and closing times for bars, restaurants and other food serving businesses.
- Indoor and outdoor social gathering limits lifted, including for all wedding and funeral events.
- Mandatory work-from-home requirements lifted.
- Provincial mask mandate lifted except:
- on municipal and intra-provincial public transit for Albertans 13 and older
- at AHS-operated and contracted facilities, and all continuing care settings
Government of Alberta COVID-19 public health actions website
COVID-19 Restrictions still in Effect
Masks
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.
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.
Isolation Requirements
- 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.
Contact tracing and case investigation
- 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.
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 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.
Government of Alberta COVID-19 public health actions website
The City of Edmonton mask bylaw still in place
While the rest of the province has seen the masking restrictions lifted the City of Edmonton’s Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings bylaw remains in effect. Within Edmonton city limits it is still mandatory for anyone 2 years of age or older that masks be worn in all indoor public places and public vehicles. This applies to all businesses, workplaces, retail shops and city facilities including public transit vehicles, enclosed transit centres and LRT platforms.
The City of Edmonton has created a Mask Bylaw Survey to collect input from Edmontonians. The survey ends March 7th and the results will be provided to Council members before their review of the Bylaw.
For exemptions to the bylaw or to take the Mask Bylaw Survey please visit the City of Edmonton website.
This update is for informational use only and does not supersede any bylaws or legislation. Please visit your local municipality’s website for applicable up-to-date information for your area.