EDMONTON, AB – The shift has begun to bring COVID-19 measures in Alberta in line with other respiratory viruses.
Effective immediately, quarantine for close contacts will shift from mandatory to recommended though isolation for anyone with symptoms and positive cases is still required.
Starting Aug. 16, provincial mandatory masking orders will be lifted for public transit, taxis and ride-shares.
Also on that date, isolation after a positive COVID test will not be required just strongly recommended.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says COVID cases may rise in the coming months but a surge of hospitalizations and other severe outcomes is much less likely due to vaccines.
Nearly 75.6 per cent of eligible Albertans have now received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 64.3 per cent are fully immunized.
Hinshaw is urging Albertans who are not fully vaccinated, to book an appointment through Alberta Health Services or participating pharmacies across the province.