Alberta puts in place stricter COVID-19 measures as cases soar

Alberta’s Premier Jason Kenney is putting in place stricter COVID-19 measures in the face soaring COVID-19 case numbers.

Starting Sunday, the province is restricting restaurants and bars to delivery or takeout and closing casinos and gyms.

Recreation centres, libraries, theatres and personal service providers such as hair salons, barbers and nail bars will also close.

On Tuesday, Alberta reported 1,727 new cases of COVID-19 on 19,109 tests.

A mask mandate is now in effect in indoor public spaces, including workplaces, across the province.

Alberta was the only province without a provincewide mask requirement, although many communities were already mandating face coverings.

Social gatherings of any size indoors or out are now banned.

The measures are to remain in effect for at least four weeks.