Effective Monday October 25, Albertans will be required to wear masks when visiting continuing care facilities.
The new measures were announced on October 19th by Premier Jason Kenney and Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping.
Masking will be required for visitors at continuing care facilities at all times and residents will be required to quarantine after being admitted to the facility or returning from hospital until they test negative for COVID-19.
Kenney stated, "Protecting vulnerable Albertans is always our top priority. Even with remarkably effective vaccines, residents in these facilities remain at risk, which is why we are increasing the protection around them.
"We will continue doing whatever it takes to protect vulnerable Albertans and slow the spread of COVID-19."
Starting monday, all visitors must wear a mask in all indoor areas of all continuing care facilities, that includes when guests are in residents' rooms.
Mandatory masking will be for all Albertans regards of vaccination status.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Deena Hinshaw stated that the changes were necessary as the province continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19, "We continue to balance the need to protect residents and staff from COVID-19 with ensuring that these residents enjoy a meaningful quality of life. We will continue watching closely and adapt these measures as needed in the months ahead."
Residents of continuing care facilities will not need to wear masks at this time.