New measures are being implemented to stop the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

The province is making masks mandatory for all indoor public spaces and workplaces starting Saturday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m.

Following the AHS requirements, all Town of Okotoks facilities will require a mandatory mask.

These new public health measures mean the following facilities will require masks: Okotoks Recreation Centre, Natural High Fitness, Pason Centennial Arenas, Okotoks Art Gallery, Okotoks Museum, Rotary Performing Arts Centre and Foothills Centennial Centre, Eco Centre and Environmental Education Centre, as well as the Municipal Centre, Operations Centre and Fire Stations.

School mask mandates are still being left up to individual school divisions.

More than 80 per cent of COVID-19 cases in hospital are unvaccinated patients with 91 per cent of those in ICU unvaccinated according to Alberta's COVID-19 statistics.

Any doses administered 14 days before a COVID-19 diagnosis don't count as vaccinated.

Premier Jason Kenney again urged Albertans to get the shot.

"COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide amazing protection against infection and severe disease, even with the Delta variant, so I'd like to thank the 2.9 million Albertans who've chosen to roll up their sleeves."

"Since July the 1st, unvaccinated people between the ages of 20 and 59 have had 50 to 60 times higher risk of hospitalization than those who are vaccinated."

A one-time incentive of $100 is now available for all Albertans ages 18 or older who receive a first or second dose of the vaccine between Sept. 3 and Oct. 14.

After receiving the vaccination, those eligible can go online and register to receive the $100 incentive.

Those without access to a computer can contact 310-0000 for assistance, starting on Sept. 13.

Also, as of Sept. 4 at 8 a.m., restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, nightclubs, and other licensed establishments will be required to end alcohol service at 10 p.m.

Albertans are encouraged to limit in-person contacts.

To support this, the province strongly recommends that unvaccinated Albertans limit their indoor social gatherings to close contacts of only two cohort families up to a maximum of 10 people.

It is also recommended that employers pause their plans to have staff return to work and instead continue with work-from-home measures.

If employees are working on location, employees must mask for all indoor settings, except in work stations or where two-metre physical distancing is possible or adequate physical barriers are in place.

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