Latest Update:
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).
