Alberta changing approach to testing for COVID-19
Posted March 23, 2020 7:38 am.
Last Updated March 23, 2020 11:45 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – The province is changing who it will test for the novel coronavirus.
Travellers who returned to Alberta after March 12 and have mild symptoms will no longer be tested for COVID-19 but instead asked to self-isolate.
“This change is effective going forward so anyone who has been told by Health Link that they will be tested will still get their tests,” said Tom McMillan with Alberta Health.”
“Changing our testing protocols will allow us to focus Alberta’s testing capacity on those most at risk. This is consistent with the approach happening across Canada. It will enable us to strategically use our testing resources. Our new approach reflects the fact that the most important thing anyone can do if they have mild symptoms isn’t to get tested – it’s to stay home and self-isolate,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
Testing will now be prioritized for those showing symptoms who are hospitalized with respiratory illness as well as residents of continuing care facilities.
Priority will also be given to those who travelled from March 8-12 before self-isolating procedures were put in place and health care workers with respiratory symptoms.
Alberta Health said anyone with symptoms who don’t fit the priority categories should stay home and self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the start of their symptoms, or until symptoms resolve.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) reminds you to visit its online self-assessment tool first if you start to show flu-like symptoms.
