The Government of Alberta implemented new mandatory public health measures related to social gatherings in Edmonton and Calgary on October 26, 2020.

These changes came after the Government of Alberta reported 4,477 active cases in the province with 118 people in hospital, including 16 patients in intensive care on October 26. The Calgary Zone had 1,549 active cases with 9,657 recovered. The Edmonton Zone had 2,179 active cases and 6,933 recovered. Alberta confirmed 1,440 new cases of COVID-19 between October 23-25 prior to the new gathering restriction announcements.

Gathering Restrictions

Effective immediately a mandatory 15-person limit is placed on all social gatherings in Edmonton and Calgary. The goal of these mandatory health measures is to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and curb the risks of increased growth in active cases. This limit applies to all gatherings such as dinner parties, wedding receptions, funeral receptions, banquets and other gatherings.

The mandatory health measures do not change measures currently in place for dining in restaurants, theatres, worship services, weddings or funeral ceremonies. The 15-person limit is temporary and the Government of Alberta will reassess the limit in one month.

Voluntary Public Health Measures

All existing public health guidance and orders remain in place. The Government of Alberta encourages people in the province to observe established voluntary public health measures:

Alberta Health Services ("AHS") will contact event organizers with contact tracing notifications, which will include sending written notifications to people who have attended an event where a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been identified. AHS directly notifies close contacts of cases who were exposed whether the event was public or private.

COVID-19 International Traveller Pilot Program

MLT Aikins has previously reported that the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada are testing alternative quarantine requirements for international travellers. The COVID-19 International Traveller Pilot program will proceed as planned. Starting November 2, 2020 the Coutts land border crossing and Calgary International Airport will be hubs for the pilot project. These locations will offer testing to returning travellers before they proceed into the required quarantine period.

If the test is negative, travellers will be allowed to leave quarantine if they get a second test six or seven days after arrival.

Flu Vaccinations

Everyone is encouraged to get the flu vaccine, especially seniors and people at a higher risk. Alberta has ordered 1.96 million doses of the flu vaccine with doctors' offices and participating pharmacies immunizing people ages five and older.

Public health clinics will provide immunization to children under five years of age. These clinics pledge to also immunize household members, people with no provincial health number and people who are the sole providers of their household.

COVID-19 Testing and Best Practices

Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is paused to help reduce waiting times and existing appointments will be honoured until November 4, 2020. People with no symptoms will still be tested if they are a close contact of a positive case or are linked to an outbreak.

The Government of Alberta maintains that legally, all Albertans must physically distance and isolate when sick or showing symptoms. The latest guidance provides that good hygiene is the best protection. Individuals should wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching their face, cough or sneeze into an elbow or sleeve, and dispose of tissues appropriately.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.