Post Secondary Update July 1, 2021
On July 1st, Alberta entered Stage 3 of its Open for Summer Plan. In this Stage, most of the provincial mandatory restrictions have been removed, including capacity limits (both indoor and outdoor) and physical distancing. The remaining masking requirements are identified in CMOH Order 34-2021, and isolation and quarantine requirements are identified in CMOH Order 35-2021.
For the post-secondary system, this means there is no longer any mandatory provincial health measures impacting the delivery and experience of post-secondary education and activities. In-person classes may resume with no capacity limits or physical distancing. There are no restrictions to physical/fitness and performance activities, sports, athletics, intramurals and any other student activities that are a part of programing or student experience. Student services, food services and residences can all resume with no restrictions.
Isolation and quarantine requirements remain in place for all individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, individuals with positive test result for COVID-19, and individuals who are close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case. Federal international travel restrictions and quarantine requirements remain in place for all international students entering Canada.
Although mandatory restrictions have been lifted, Albertans and individuals staying in the province are encouraged to assess their personal risk, and continue with good public health practices that reduce the transmission of respiratory infections such as COVID-19. Post-Secondary Institutions should assess the risk of COVID transmission and are free to implement or continue COVID-19 measures as they see fit; resources are available here. Updated general guidance offering optional mitigations to reduce the transmission risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses is available to businesses and event organizers who would like to continue additional precautions.
Please note that mandatory masking in indoor public spaces may still be required by municipalities or businesses, according to their own bylaws and requirements. Albertans are asked to respect the rules in each area and/or business and follow them. It is reasonable that individuals may continue to wear masks in certain settings, and we encourage you to support their choice. Finally, institutions should note that masking is still mandatory province-wide in all AHS facilities and continuing care settings, in publicly accessible transit, taxis and ride-shares.
The best source of information for current updates to public health measures and vaccine roll-out is the following Alberta Government websites:
- Open for Summer Plan / Public Health Measures: https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx and;
- Vaccine Roll-out Program: https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx