Some of the changes that will come into effect Thursday include:

• Quarantine for close contacts will shift from mandatory to recommended, while isolation for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms and for confirmed cases is still required.
• Asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended. Testing will continue for symptomatic people.

In part two of the transition, beginning Aug. 16, the following changes will take effect:

• Provincial mandatory mask orders will be lifted.
• Isolation following a positive COVID-19 test will no longer be required, but strongly recommended.
• Isolation hotels and quarantine support will no longer be available.
• Testing will be available for Albertans with symptoms when it is needed to help direct patient care decisions.
• Public health will shift its focus to investigating severe cases of COVID-19.