Aggressive public health measures, including additional limits to mass gatherings, are being implemented provincewide to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect Albertans. The Alberta government has declared a state of public health emergency.

23 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Alberta, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 97. There are 70 cases in the Calgary zone, 20 cases in the Edmonton zone, 3 cases in the Central zone, 3 cases in the South zone and 1 case in the North zone.

Mass gatherings are now limited to no more than 50 attendees. This includes worship gatherings and family events such as weddings. Grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, and other essential services are not included.

To limit the amount of time Albertans are spending in large crowds and crowded spaces, all Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreational facilities and private entertainment facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres, libraries, children’s play centres, casinos, racing entertainment centres, and bingo halls.

Sit-down restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, food courts and other food-serving facilities, including those with a minors-allowed liquor license, are limited to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 50 people. Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is permitted.

Albertans are prohibited from attending buffet-style restaurants. At this time, not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens and religious kitchens are exempt, but sanitization practices are expected to be in place and support will be in place for this practice.

Ski hills across the province are strongly encouraged to close by the end of day March 17, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Effective March 18, all passenger ropeways, like gondolas and chairlifts, will be closed until further notice under the Safety Codes Act.

For the full, update, visit alberta.ca.

Albertans are encouraged to visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for the latest information, guidance and resources.