Alberta unveils three-step plan to end COVID-19 restrictions

Alberta has launched what it calls a “careful and prudent” plan to phase out public health measures brought in to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first phase of the three-step approach began at 11:59 on Feb. 8, which removes capacity limits for venues under 500 capacity, which include libraries and places of worship, and allows for food and beverage consumption in seated audience settings for large events. The restrictions exemption program, Alberta’s vaccine passport system which requires people to show their QR code to eat at restaurants or sit at large venues, has also ended. Mandatory masking for children and youth in schools, and for youth aged 12 and under in any setting, will end Feb. 13 at 11:59 p.m.

“The last two years have taken a significant toll on Albertans’ overall health, social and economic well-being,” said Premier Jason Kenney. “Now that we are through the worst of the fifth wave and have achieved high vaccination rates, it is time to shift to a balanced approach where we are able to live with COVID-19 and return to normal.”

Step two will begin March 1, and will see the lifting of the provincial mask mandate as well as the removal of all limits on social gatherings. Capacity limits will also be lifted for all venues, and mandatory work from home requirements will be eliminated.

“The vast majority of Albertans are now fully vaccinated. It’s a major factor that now allows us to ease restrictions, but we will do so only as conditions show that our health system’s capacity is recovering,” said Health Minister Jason Copping. “Albertans can help make that possible by getting every vaccine dose they are eligible for.”

The third step will begin at a date yet to be determined, based upon hospitalization rates continuing to trend downward. That will involve the lifting of COVID-19 specific measures in continuing care facilities and ending mandatory isolation requirements for those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (it will become a recommendation only).

Additional details on all restrictions and measures in place will be released prior to each step at alberta.ca/CovidMeasures.

Pictured: Alberta Premier Jason Kenney

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