Extending timelines for COVID-19 transition

After closely monitoring COVID-19 in Alberta for the previous two weeks and reviewing emerging evidence from other jurisdictions, the following will continue until Sept.27:

• Mandatory masking orders in publicly accessible transit, taxis and ride-shares.
• Mandatory isolation for 10 days for those with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result.
• Testing at assessment centres for any symptomatic individual.

These measures were scheduled to be eased on Aug. 16, however this six-week pause will provide additional time to monitor severe outcomes of COVID-19 and increase immunization rates.

“It’s important that we move forward with decisions based on the best evidence and appropriate caution. I appreciate Dr. Hinshaw’s advice to allow more time for us to monitor the situation and help ensure a safe reopening, including a safe return to school. This extra time will help us make a safe transition to living with COVID-19 as we get our communities, our economy, and our health system back to normal.”Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health

“Through the pandemic, we have monitored the situation closely and adapted our response as necessary. Reviewing data from Alberta and across the globe in the past few weeks has led me to a point where I feel that a pause on the next changes is the best way forward. I deeply care about, and am committed to, the overall health of all in Alberta. This is why I base my decisions on science and my professional assessment of an ever-changing situation.”Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health

Recent evidence

Recent data from here in Alberta and other jurisdictions including the U.K. and U.S. shows a wide range of acute care impacts at similar level of vaccination to Alberta’s. The uncertainty and potential for larger impacts warrants further caution, although a peak in admissions that would disrupt the health system at provincial level remains extremely unlikely. Health officials will continue to closely monitor hospitalizations and other severe outcomes due to COVID-19 in the province.

Get fully vaccinated

Albertans are encouraged to continue booking appointments for first and second doses to ensure full effectiveness and long-lasting protection. Being fully immunized is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.

Anyone who has not yet booked their vaccine can do so by visiting www.alberta.ca/vaccine to find available appointments with AHS or participating pharmacies across the province. Select locations are offering walk-in clinics for first doses.

Alberta is providing an extra incentive to Albertans who are vaccinated through its Open for Summer Lottery. To register and for complete details, visit www.alberta.ca/lottery.

Quick facts

• Changes that took affect on July 29 will continue to be in place. They are:
  • Quarantine for close contacts is recommended (previously mandatory).
  • Contact tracers are no longer notifying close contacts about exposure to COVID-19. Individuals are asked to tell their close contacts when informed of their positive result. All positive cases will continue to be notified. Contact tracers will continue to investigate cases that are in high-risk settings such as acute and continuing care facilities.
  • Outbreak management and identification will focus on high-risk locations, including continuing care and acute care facilities. Community outbreaks with a surge in cases leading to severe outcomes will also be addressed as needed.
  • Asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended.