“Alberta’s case numbers and hospitalizations have reached a point where we must take stricter measures in order to protect capacity in our health system. These mandatory new health measures are some of the strictest we’ve implemented, but they are absolutely critical to the future of our province.” Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health

“These mandatory measures will help us slow the spread of COVID-19. This will require individual sacrifices that are necessary to protect our province. It’s not just about one person, it’s about doing what we can to protect and save our loved ones, colleagues, neighbours, and even strangers. Following these public health measures is how we as Albertans care for and protect each other.” Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health

Social gatherings – immediate

• All indoor and outdoor social gatherings – public and private – are prohibited.
• Close contacts are limited to household members only.
  • Individuals who live alone will be allowed up to two close contacts for in-person visiting, with those two people remaining the same for the duration of the restriction period.
• Festivals, parades, events, concerts, exhibitions, competitions, sport and performance remain prohibited.

Masking – immediate

• The mandatory indoor public masking requirement will be extended provincewide.
  • Public spaces include locations where a business or entity operates and is applicable to employees, visitors and the general public.
  • Applies to all indoor workplaces and facilities outside the home.
  • Farm operations are excluded.
  • Rental accommodations used solely for the purposes of a private residence are excluded.

Places of worship – starting at 12:01 a.m., Dec. 13

• All places of worship will be limited to 15 per cent of fire code occupancy for in-person attendance.
  • Virtual or online services are strongly encouraged.
  • Drive-in services where individuals do not leave their vehicles and adhere to guidance will be permissible and are not subject to capacity restrictions.
  • Mandatory mask mandate, physical distancing and other guidelines remain in place.

Retail – starting at 12:01 a.m., Dec. 13

• Retail services must reduce customer capacity to 15 per cent of fire code occupancy, with a minimum of five customers permitted.
  • Curbside pickup, delivery and online services are encouraged.
• Shopping malls will be limited to 15 per cent of fire code occupancy.

Closures – starting at 12:01 a.m., Dec. 13

• Restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges and cafes will be closed to in-person service.
  • Only takeout, curbside pickup and delivery services are permitted.
• Casinos, bingo halls, gaming entertainment centres, racing entertainment centres, horse tracks, raceways, bowling alleys, pool halls, legions, and private clubs will be closed.
• Recreational facilities – fitness centres, recreation centres, pools, spas, gyms, studios, day and overnight camps, indoor rinks and arenas – will be closed.
• Outdoor recreation is permitted, but facilities with indoor spaces except for washrooms will be closed.
• Entertainment businesses and entities – libraries, science centres, interpretive centres, museums, galleries, amusement parks and water parks – will be closed.
• Hotels may remain open but must follow restrictions – no spas, pools or in-person dining. Room services only.
• Personal and wellness services, including hair salons, nail salons, massage, tattoos, and piercing, will be closed.

Work from home – starting at 12:01 a.m., Dec. 13

• Mandatory work from home measures will be implemented unless the employer determines that work requires a physical presence for operational effectiveness.

Closures – ongoing from Nov. 27

• Entertainment businesses and entities – community halls and centres, indoor children’s play centres and indoor playgrounds, theatres, auditoriums, concert halls, and community theatres, nightclubs, banquet halls and conference centres, indoor and outdoor festivals, concerts with the exception of drive-in events, tradeshows, and sporting events or competitions, remain closed.

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“Our province’s job creators are barely surviving with nearly half reporting they are losing money every day they are open. We thank the Alberta government for recognizing the significant impacts new restrictions are having on small businesses and for providing this additional help through the expansion of the relaunch grant. The expansion of the grant will help businesses who desperately need direct cash support keep their lights on and make it through to the new year.” Annie Dormuth, Alberta provincial affairs director, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

“The Fitness Industry Council of Canada, and our member studios, gyms and recreation centres, look to work in partnership with the government to curate safe and effective exercise experiences for Albertans. There have been many added costs to running a facility, most notably those associated with cleaning and sanitization. For facilities that have been forced to close, expenses such as property taxes, loan payments and remaining rent expense still remain. We welcome this additional funding source for those businesses that have had to temporarily close and look forward to working alongside Alberta Health Services to ensure that our facilities are as safe as possible.” Scott Wildeman, president, Industry Fitness Council of Canada

“Increasing restrictions are negatively impacting restaurant sales, with 65 per cent of restaurants recently reporting that they are operating at loss. Restaurants Canada appreciates the Alberta government’s expansion of its relaunch grant program and changes to the program’s criteria, as this will allow more hospitality businesses to access the working capital they critically need to survive the second wave of COVID-19.” Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president for Western Canada, Restaurants Canada

Quick facts

• On Nov. 23, small businesses located in areas on the provincial watch list were offered the ability to apply for a second payment under the relaunch program. The threshold for the grant was also reduced from 50 to 40 per cent.
• Additional supports for businesses are available through the federal government.
• Small and medium-sized businesses make up 99.8 per cent of Alberta businesses.
  • Businesses with fewer than 100 employees represent 98 per cent of Alberta businesses.

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