The province is reducing isolation times for people exposed to COVID-19. 

Effective Thursday (Feb.3), Alberta will recommend unvaccinated asymptomatic household contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases stay home for ten days after exposure instead of the current 14-day recommendation. 

Chief medical officer of health, Dr Deena Hinshaw, explained the change falls in line with new data. 

“[This] aligns with data showing the incubation period for Omicron is shorter than previous variants,” Hinshaw said. 

The changes apply to all Albertans, including those in continuing care. 

Hinshaw was also asked about remarks the premier made on Tuesday when he said public health measures, including the Restrictions Exemption Program, could be ending this month. She said that the acute care system remains under significant strain, and we must “continue to make the right choices.” 

Dr. Hinshaw says other provinces are planning toward a different way of managing COVID, and she agrees that there is a need to move to an endemic response. After the Omicron wave subsides, Hinshaw believes the risk of the system becoming overwhelmed will be severely reduced.