Government of Alberta

By Emily Keller

covid-19 testing

Alberta increases COVID-19 testing for essential workers and seniors

Apr 8, 2020 | 5:29 PM

Alberta has announced changes to COVID-19 testing in the province.

At the COVID-19 update on April 8, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, outlined the changes, saying effective immediately, all residents of the Calgary zone who have any symptoms, including a cough, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath or sore throat, will now be tested.

She says they have also opened testing to essential workers in the province with symptoms.

“We are defining that as anyone whose worksite has not been closed to public access by public health orders, and if they were well, would currently be working outside the home.”

Hinshaw says the testing is now available for those who are or live with someone who is at a higher risk due to their age.

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“Anyone who has any of these same symptoms, again, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever or cough, and who lives with a person who is 65 years of age or older, is also eligible for testing.”

She says those who fall into those categories should visit the online assessment tool.

“Going through the online tool will be the pathway to booking a test, and a new process is now in place that means anyone who goes through that online assessment does not need to also call 811 (Healthlink). One of these assessment tools is for the general public, including those over 65, and those who live with anyone over 65. Another tool is for workers on a list of those eligible.”

Dr. Hinshaw adds that while increasing testing is important, the best way to limit the spread and to do contact tracing is for as many people to stay home as possible.