The province is implementing new measures to protect Albertans from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective Friday (Mar.27), the Alberta government is calling for the immediate closure of all non-essential retail stores, close-contact businesses and dine-in restaurants.

Non-essential retail service categories include clothing, computer and gaming stores and services in shopping malls and shopping centres (such as hobby and toys, gift and specialty items and furniture).

Take-out services can still be offered at dine-in resturaunts.

Close-contact businesses such as hair salons, barbershops, tattoo and piercing studios, esthetic services, as well as wellness studios, non-critical health services, dentistry, physiotherapy, massage, podiatry, chiropractic and optometry services are also closing.

The maximum mass gathering number has also dropped to 15 people, including family and religious gatherings. Both indoors and outside, people must follow the two-meter social distancing rule.

"The actions we are taking are tough, but necessary," said Premier Jason Kenney.

Vehicle access to provincial parks has been suspended for recreational usage.

The province also increased security for Alberta renters. As of Friday, tenants cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent or utilities before May 1 and rents will not increase while Alberta’s state of public health emergency remains in place.

Effective Wednesday (Apr.1), late fees cannot be applied to rent payments for the next three months and landlords and tenants need to work together to develop payment plans if necessary.

“We’ve been listening to the financial concerns of landlords and tenants and these measures protect Albertans and give them time to get back on their feet," said minister of service Nate Glubish.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 Info page.