Alberta's new restrictions came into effect at midnight. Here's what you need to know
Albertans woke up Thursday to new restrictions implemented by the province to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ease the burden on its health system.
Some of the measures Alberta introduced Wednesday evening came into effect hours later at midnight. Here are the rules that are already in effect as of 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 16:
SCHOOLS
Across the province, masks are now mandatory for students in Grades 4 and up, plus all staff and teachers.
Elementary schools are also expected to form cohorts.
There are no restrictions on outdoor activity, nor are physical distancing and masks required during physical activity.
Schools may be exempt from the mandatory mask rule if they implement an "alternate COVID safety plan."
Other indoor activities – like performances or sports – are permitted with two-metre distancing.
WORKPLACES
The province instituted a mandatory work-from-home order on Wednesday for all employees whose physical presence isn't considered necessary for their job.
PRIVATE SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Fully vaccinated Albertans are limited to socializing indoors with one other household up to a maximum of 10 people. Children under 12, who are not eligible for a vaccine, are allowed to participate without restrictions.
The same rules do not apply to Albertans who are eligible for vaccine but not immunized; unvaccinated people are not allowed to attend any indoor social gathering.
Outdoor social gatherings are permitted to a maximum of 200 people and mandated physical distancing.
OUTDOOR EVENTS
Outdoor events are not subject to an audience cap, according to the rules announced Wednesday. However, two metre-distancing is required.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Starting Thursday, places of worship are limited to host one third of their fire code capacity.
Masks are also mandatory here, as well as physical distancing between households (or two close contacts for people living alone).
OTHER CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
Similar to the rules applied to indoor school activities, all other children's activities are allowed to continue with distancing, masking where possible, and symptom screening.
Again, minors do not have to wear a mask or distance during physical activity.
Spectator crowds for these events, however, must be capped at one third fire code capacity, and audience members must be masks and distanced from other households.
There are no restrictions on outdoor activities.
Day camps, too, are allowed to continue with physical distancing and masking while indoors. Overnight camps must be cohorted.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.