Canada: Alberta to lift remaining COVID-19 restrictions

"We need to live with COVID-19 while accepting that it will continue to be present. We'll continue to work to keep Albertans safe by ensuring access to vaccines, antivirals, and rapid tests, through ongoing COVID-19 surveillance, and by enhancing healthcare system capacity," Health Minister Jason Copping said in a statement Monday.

Other provinces like Saskatchewan and Manitoba have reportedly already lifted self-isolation requirements.

But it is recommended, though not mandatory, that those who have COVID symptoms or a positive test result should remain in isolation, the statement said.

Also masking will still be required, confirmed by Alberta Health Services, at all acute care, continuing care, and community locations, including immunization and lab collection sites.

Alberta has seen declining rates of COVID hospitalizations, PCR test positivity, and levels of wastewater surveillance, a government news release has said.

"Learning to live with COVID-19 does not mean forgetting about it," Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Monday in a news release.

"As we bring COVID-19 management in line with other respiratory diseases, it will continue to be vital that we receive our primary vaccine series and any additional booster doses we are eligible for, and continue good habits like washing our hands regularly and avoiding being around others if we feel sick."

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)