Premier Jason Kenny has re-declared a state of public health emergency and announced aggressive measures to protect the health system and reduce the rising spread of COVID-19 cases.

It is hoped new restrictions and increased enforcement will reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities, protect hospitals, keep schools and businesses open as much as possible, and better protect vulnerable Albertans.

As of today, there are 13,349 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. 

Many students and their families will be heavily impacted by the mandatory requirement for all grade 7 to 12 students to return to at-home learning on Nov, 30. Students from K-6 will continue learning in-person until Dec. 18.

All students will return to at-home learning after the winter break and resume in-person learning on Jan. 11, 2021.

An overview of the government announced measures are listed below.

Public and private gatherings

Effective immediately, mandatory restrictions on social gatherings are in effect provincewide. These measures will be in place until further notice and include:

  • No indoor social gatherings are permitted in any setting, including workplaces.
  • Outdoor social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
  • Funeral services and wedding ceremonies must follow all public health guidance and are limited to a maximum of 10 in-person attendees. Receptions are not permitted.

Places of worship

  • Places of worship are limited to a maximum of one-third normal attendance per service.
  • Physical distancing between households and masking are required.
  • Faith-based leaders are encouraged to move services online.
  • In-person faith group meetings can continue but must maintain physical distancing and public health measures must be followed.

Businesses and services

Starting Nov. 27, business and service restrictions fall under three categories: closed for in-person business, open with restrictions, and open by appointment only. Impacts by category are available here: alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx.

These measures will remain in place for three weeks, but will be extended if needed.

Albertans are encouraged to limit in-person visits to retail locations, shop local, and use curbside pickup, delivery, and online services, where possible.

Mandatory mask requirements

Effective immediately, a new mandatory mask requirement for indoor workplaces is in place for Edmonton, Calgary, and surrounding areas. This includes any location where employees are present and applies to visitors, including delivery personnel, and employees or contractors.

This measure will be in place until further notice.

All existing guidance and legal orders remain in place in all areas. Alberta Health, AHS, and local municipalities continue to closely monitor the spread across the province.

Not following mandatory restrictions could result in fines of $1,000 per ticketed offence and up to $100,000 through the courts.

Quick facts

  • A full breakdown of the new measures can be found here.
  • There are 13,349 active cases and 35,695 recovered cases in Alberta.
  • There are 348 people in hospital due to COVID-19, including 66 in intensive care.
  • The total number of COVID-19 deaths is 492.
  • Legally, all Albertans must physically distance themselves and isolate themselves when sick or with symptoms.
  • Good hygiene is your best protection: wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, cough or sneeze into an elbow or sleeve, and dispose of tissues appropriately.