JASON FRANSON/The Canadian Press
Alberta is increasing the mandatory quarantine period for people who live with someone who has tested positive for a COVID-19 variant to 24 days from the current 14.
The new quarantine rules will be the strictest in Canada, where the number of variant cases identified has been growing, including more than 50 in Alberta.
“We are being extra cautious to reduce the chance of infection spreading widely into the community,” Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Deena Hinshaw said on Tuesday.
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The British variant has been circulating in Britain since November and is now the dominant version of the virus there. Studies show it is more contagious than the original virus, and public-health officials are increasingly worried about mutations being more resistant to vaccines.
Based on a decline in hospitalization rates and a decline in active cases, some health measures will be eased for restaurants, indoor fitness and some children’s activities
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Justin Tang/The Globe and Mail
When an employee at Ottawa bakery Bread By Us had to self-isolate while waiting for COVID-19 test results, owner Jessica Carpinone gave them a week off with full pay. The results came back negative, but she said that by helping that employee stay home, her customers and other workers felt more comfortable coming into the shop.