The government of Alberta is introducing province-wide restrictions to help slow down the increase in COVID-19 cases.

Premier Jason Kenney announced on Tuesday new measures through a televised address which will be in place for at least three weeks.

Starting Wednesday, retail services must limit capacity to 10 per cent.

Places of worship can only have 15 people attend in person.

Outdoor gatherings are limited to five individuals.

Only 10 people can attend a funeral.

Starting Sunday, restaurants must stop in-person dining, including patio service, while personal services such as salons, barbershops, and tattoo parlors must close for three weeks.

Health services such as massage therapists, dentists, and physician offices can remain open, however, individuals must set up an appointment.

Gyms and fitness centres must close their doors even to one-on-one sessions.

Workplaces, where an outbreak has been declared, must also close their doors for a minimum of 10 days. The only exceptions are workplaces deemed critical.

All students in K-12 will go back to online learning starting this Friday with plans to return to in-person classes on May 25.

All post-secondary schools must also move classes online starting Wednesday.

Also starting Sunday, all outdoor sports and recreation activities are prohibited except with members of your household or, if living alone, two close contacts.

This includes group physical activities, such as team sports, fitness classes, training sessions, one-on-one lessons, practices, and games.

“This is a last resort and a necessary step,” said Kenney. “With cases continuing to rise, we have no choice but to take serious action now or jeopardize putting the health system at risk.”

Meanwhile, fines are also being doubled to $2,000.

Serious incidents remain at $100,000.