Alberta will lift most of its remaining COVID-19 health measures.
Premier Jason Kenney and health minister Jason Copping announced the province would move to step two of easing public health measures.
As of Mar.1, the following measures will be updated:
- Any remaining school requirements removed (example: Kindergarten to Grade 6 cohorting).
- Youth screening activities for entertainment and sports activities removed
- Capacity on all large venues and entertainment venues lifted.
- Indoor and outdoor social gathering limits lifted.
- Mandatory work-from-home requirements lifted.
- Indoor masking is no longer required.
Masking will still be required in some settings, including public transit and certain healthcare settings, including Alberta Health Services sites and long-term care facilities.
“I think we can move forward with confidence, based on not only our experience here but around the world,” said Kenney.
“What we’re seeing in the areas that are a few weeks ahead of us – the relaxation of measures is not leading to a rise in new cases and is not overwhelming hospitals.”
Kenney said that hospitalizations due to COVID-19 had dropped significantly in the last month, particularly in intensive care units.
Currently, there are 1,295 people in hospital with COVID-19, including 88 in intensive care. Thirteen more deaths were reported in Alberta on Friday, bringing the total to 3,898 since the start of the pandemic.
A date for moving to step three, which would see the province eliminate all COVID-19 health measures, including mandatory isolation and measures on continuing care, has not been determined.
The announcement coincided with a ceremony marking the opening of the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital.