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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.