Navigating Alberta’s Health Measures Update

Public health restrictions for the province of Alberta will be lifted in 3 steps starting February 9, 2022. Alberta will enter step 1 on February 9, and will progress to the next steps once conditions show Alberta’s health system’s capacity is recovering.

STEP 1

What does this mean for businesses?

• As of February 9, Restrictions Exemption Program will be removed, along with most associated restrictions.
• Capacity limits in large facilities and entertainment venues (500+) remain in place, but food and beverages now allowed in seats.
• Capacity limits for locations not covered under the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) program are removed.
• If you were a business participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program prior to February 9, 2022, you still have the option of requesting proof of vaccination. It is your choice if you wish to continue with health measures that make you and your customers feel comfortable and safe. We would recommend that businesses seek legal advice before doing this to confirm what they are able to ask of patrons.
• The QR code will remain active as it is required by the Federal government for travel. The QR code verifier app should not be relied on. The app was developed based on an algorithm of rules for when it turns green and red based on the specific qualifications of the REP. Previously downloaded versions of the app will continue to operate; however, the app may not be updated in the future or may not be available for download.
• Wearing masks indoors is still required until the province moves into stage 2.
• Regardless of whether a business continues to participate in the REP or not, it is encouraged to post your business requirements or lifting of requirements at the front entrance of your business, on your website, and on your social media accounts. We have created two posters that your business can download to help customers know if they require proof of vaccination or not.

This business requires proof of vaccination poster

This business no longer requires proof of vaccination poster

What does this mean for restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, and nightclubs?

• Indoor and outdoor dining permitted.
• Limit of 10 people maximum per table. No mingling between tables.
• No interactive activities permitted (for example: dancing, darts, billiards).
• Liquor service must end at 11 pm and stop liquor consumption at 12:30 am.

• Large facilities must limit capacity to:
  • 50% if facility has fire occupancy load over 1,000.
  • 500 attendees if facility has fire occupancy load between 500 and 1,000.
  • No capacity limit if facility has fire occupancy load under 500.

What does this mean for retail and shopping malls?

• Previous capacity limits lifted on all retail and shopping malls. However, large retail facilities must limit capacity to:
  • 50% if facility has fire occupancy load over 1,000.
  • 500 attendees if facility has fire occupancy load between 500 and 1,000.
  • No capacity limit if facility has fire occupancy load under 500.

What does this mean for entertainment, event, and recreational facilities?

• Restrictions on sale of food and beverages and consumption while seated in audience settings will be removed.
• Restrictions on closing times, alcohol service, table capacity in restaurants and interactive activities will remain in force.

Isolation and quarantine 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.

STEP 2

Alberta will enter Step 2 starting on March 1, if hospitalizations are trending downwards. At that time, the following measures will be updated.

• Any remaining school requirements removed (for example: Kindergarten to grade 6 cohorting).
• Youth screening activities for entertainment and sport 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 no longer required.

STEP 3

The timeline for Alberta entering Step 3 is to be determined and will depend on hospitalization rates continuing to trend downward.

• COVID-specific continuing care measures removed.
• Mandatory isolation removed (becomes a recommendation only).