With 61 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, bringing the total to 419, Premier Jason Kenney says he's done "asking" for compliance of public health orders.

While Kenney says the majority of Albertans have been very responsible, too many people continue to ignore the guidelines.

“We must do everything we can to protect Albertans through this pandemic," Kenney says. "While the vast majority of Albertans are doing their part to flatten the curve by self-isolating, practising physical distancing or helping those who are self-isolating, some are not. Self-isolation orders are not suggestions or guidelines – they are now the law and they must be followed. Anyone putting their families, their neighbours, or other Albertans at risk will face consequences.”

Kenney says through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, police and community peace officers will be able to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders.

Over the coming days, new fines will be in force and those found violating orders can receive a $1,000 ticket per occurrence, up from the $100 per day fine that public health inspectors could issue. Additionally, courts will have the power to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence. Subsequent or more serious offences could result in up to $500,000 in fines.

"These new enforcement measures are a reasonable, prudent, but necessary response to the escalating COVID-19 outbreak in Alberta," says Kenney. "When life returns to normal, we will no longer require these kinds of extraordinary powers but right now we must use every tool available to ensure public safety."

Public health orders subject to fines for violation include the following:

  • Any individual who has travelled outside of Canada must go into mandatory self-isolation for 14 days from their return, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of any symptoms should they occur, whichever is longer.
  • Any individual who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms must self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the start of their symptoms, or until the symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. Symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or a sore throat.
  • Any individual who has been identified by as a close contact of a person(s) with COVID-19 must go into mandatory self-isolation for 14 days from the date of last having been exposed to COVID-19, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of any symptoms should they occur, whichever is longer.
  • Mass gatherings must be limited to no more than 50 attendees.
  • Access to public recreational facilities, private entertainment facilities, bars and nightclubs is prohibited.
  • Visitation to long-term care and other continuing care facilities is limited to essential visitors only.

Complaints can be submitted Here