July 2, 2021 3:41 PM
Stage 3 Reopening
Alberta entered Stage 3 on July 1. All public health measures have now been lifted except for isolation/quarantine requirements and masking requirements in health care settings and public transit.
Stage 3 restrictions
Masking:
Mask use in public indoor settings is no longer required except for some specific situations:
- working in or visiting some health care settings, such as long-term care
- using public transit, including ride share vehicles, taxis, motor coaches and shuttles
Note: Municipalities and businesses are free to set masking requirements as they see fit. For example, businesses may require staff and/or customers to wear masks inside their place of business.
While masking is no longer required in most situations, it is important to support those who may wish to continue wearing masks while adjusting to Stage 3.
Learn more about masking, including how to wear and care for your mask.
Isolation and Quarantine Requirements:
Alberta’s requirements for isolation (if you have symptoms) and quarantine (if you have been exposed to COVID-19 through a close contact) remain in place.
For more information, see isolation and quarantine requirements.
Provincial quarantine rules for returning international travelers have been lifted, but federal requirements remain in place.
For more information, see COVID-19 travel requirements.
Health Care and Congregate Care Settings:
Alberta’s move to Stage 3 does not change requirements in the existing public health orders for licensed supportive living, long-term care and hospice settings. Stage 3 will impact activities off-site, but existing on-site restrictions will remain in place at this time.
For more information on current restrictions in these settings, see protecting residents at congregate care facilities.
Lifted Restrictions:
All other public health measures have been lifted. This includes all restrictions on:
- social gatherings – there are no longer capacity limits on either indoor or outdoor gatherings
- recreation, performance and entertainment activities
- business closures and capacity restrictions
- large events, including concerts, sporting events, exhibitions and festivals
Additional Guidance for Businesses and Event Organizers
In Stage 3, businesses can resume the same operations and level of activity as they were able to do before the pandemic began.
See guidance documents to learn more.
Assessing Personal Risk:
With the removal of most mandatory restrictions, Albertans are encouraged to assess and manage their personal risk during the final stages of the pandemic. It is reasonable for people to continue using precautions that will serve their needs.
Risk factors
When assessing your personal risk, it is important to consider your setting, individual health and wellness factors, and comfort level.
Factors that increase COVID-19 risk:
- You are not fully vaccinated yet.
- You regularly interact with children 11 and under who cannot be vaccinated yet.
- You attend crowded indoor spaces.
- You have risk factors for severe health outcomes from COVID-19.
Factors that lower COVID-19 risk:
- You are fully vaccinated.
- You mostly socialize outdoors, instead of indoors.
- You have a small social circle.
- You can normally maintain distancing from other people.
Consult your physician or primary health care provider if you want input on assessing your personal risk of severe outcomes or to assist in determining your personal risk level.
Additional precautions
The best thing you can do to support your health and reduce the risk to the broader community is to get vaccinated. Vaccines are our best protection against COVID-19 and the safest and most effective way to protect against infection and severe illness.
Additionally, all Albertans should:
- practice good hand and respiratory hygiene
- stay home when they are sick
If you have risk factors as described above, it is reasonable to consider additional precautions such as:
- avoiding or limiting time spent in crowded indoor places
- minimizing close contact with anyone showing cold-like symptoms
- continuing to use a face mask
Mental Health Supports:
As we enter Stage 3 and mandatory restrictions are lifted, Albertans face a period of adjustment. Although the easing of restrictions is welcome, re-opening will impact everyone differently, and may bring increased anxiety for some.
We encourage Albertans to access supports that are available, if and when they are needed, and to respect how others are adjusting in this time of transition. For additional guidance, see mental health support (PDF, 270 KB).
June 2, 2021 11:07 AM
Vaccine Update June 2nd 2021 --
Speeding up second-dose appointments
Everyone who’s already gotten their first dose, can soon book their second dose to get the best and longest lasting protection from COVID-19.
You don’t need to wait to be contacted to book an appointment once you’re eligible and you can choose where to get your second dose.
If you got a first dose in March or earlier, you can book your second dose today.
Second dose for mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna) recipients
If you got an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for your first dose, you should get an mRNA vaccine for your second dose to become fully vaccinated.
When to book
• First dose in March or earlier – book second dose starting June 1
• First dose in April – book second dose starting June 14
• First dose in May – book second dose starting June 28
How to book
• Visit any participating pharmacy
• Book with AHS (online or 811)
Book your Pfizer or Moderna second dose
Second dose for AstraZeneca recipients
If you got AstraZeneca for your first dose, you can choose either the AstraZeneca vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/Moderna) for your second dose. Both options provide protection and count as completing your immunization.
When to book
• First dose in March or earlier – book second dose starting June 1
• First dose April or later – book second dose at least 8 weeks after the first dose
How to book
• AstraZeneca second dose - Book with AHS (online or 811) or visit a pharmacy offering AstraZeneca
• mRNA second dose - Book with AHS (online or 811) or visit any participating pharmacy
Learn more about your second dose options after AstraZeneca
Second dose for profoundly immunocompromised
People who are profoundly immunocompromised and meet the eligibility criteria can book their second doses earlier.
When to book
• Pfizer or Moderna 21 to 28 days after your first dose
• AstraZeneca - 8 weeks after your first dose is recommended but you may choose to get your second dose as early as 28 days after your first dose
How to book
• Call 811 for an evaluation of your eligibility and to book your appointment. Do not call a pharmacy or use the AHS online booking tool.
See the list of eligible conditions
Can’t find a spot?
Appointments are based on vaccine supply. More spots will be added as supply increases. Please be patient.
Can’t make your appointment?
If you already booked a shot but can’t make it, don’t forget to cancel or modify your appointment so no doses are wasted.
Need time off work?
All working Albertans can access 3 hours of paid, job-protected leave to get each dose of the vaccine. Learn more.
Need a ride?
Isolated seniors and those with mobility challenges can call 211 for help finding a ride to an appointment.
Let's get back to normal
Alberta's Open for Summer Plan safely eases restrictions in 3 stages as vaccinations go up and hospitalizations go down. If Albertans continue doing their part to follow public health measures and get vaccinated, all restrictions could be lifted by early July.
Vaccines are safe, effective and vital. They make our immune systems stronger to help prevent and fight off diseases. Get vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you.
Get the facts