Albertans urged to stay home as PCR tests become limited and rapid tests are scarce

Alberta is having to rely on rapid, at-home tests, following the province’s health update on Monday afternoon.

The majority of Albertans were told they are no longer eligible for PCR testing. But what if you can’t get your hands on rapid tests and your boss is asking for proof?

“I urge employers and organizations, to not require proof of a positive COVID-19 result,” stated Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health on Monday.

“With a positivity rate of 40 per cent, anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 most likely has COVID and should just be staying home.”

Dr. Hinshaw added it’s believed there are 10 times more cases of COVID-19 in Alberta than what is identified.

WATCH: Alberta health update – Jan. 10

READ MORE:

• Hospitalizations continue climb in Alberta as active COVID infections reach new heights
• Changes to COVID testing in Alberta as 17,000+ new cases reported through weekend

As Alberta rations PCR testing for those who work in healthcare, returning from international travel to catch new variants, and those eligible for certain treatment. (Full list below)

A health law expert says the good news is those who likely caught the virus on the job and are eligible for Workers Compensation Benefit (WCB), filling out a rapid test document from the government and taking a picture of your positive rapid test on it, should be proof enough.

Rapid test document Albertans can fill out. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

However, Albertans can only fill that out if they have tests.

Right now, the provincial website shows no pharmacies in Edmonton or Calgary have free government tests available.

“There is a lack of availability of taxpayer-funded rapid tests in pharmacies and so a bit of a two-tier system has emerged, where those who can afford to pay for testing can get testing and most others cannot,” explained Lorian Hardcastle, professor in health law policy at the University of Calgary.

But if you are sick at home isolating with no access to tests, Hardcastle has another way to document your case.

“If an employer is asking for it, or an insurer is asking for it, then I think they need to get in touch with their MLA, and let them know what is happening so that the government can work with those employers or those insurers.”

When announced the taxpayer-funded rapid test program allowed Albertans to pick up at-home tests every two weeks. However, many have been left unable to find them.

For a full list of PCR eligibility:

• Continuing care residents and healthcare workers
• Staff in acute and continuing care
• Symptomatic household members of the above
• Emergency department or hospital patients (who have COVID-19 symptoms, have been admitted for symptoms, or have a respiratory illness)
• Symptomatic patients who would be eligible for Sotrovimab treatment
• A more detailed list can be found on the Alberta Government website