Photo Credit: Government of Alberta

By Abby Zieverink

Rapid Testing

Province changes COVID-19 testing recommendations as new cases soar

Dec 23, 2021 | 5:18 PM

With the rise in Omicron COVID-19 cases, the Government of Alberta has updated recommendations for the use of PCR tests.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says starting immediately, they are asking rapid tests be used for most Albertans who are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

“From this point forward, we recommend rapid tests be preferentially used for those who have symptoms or most people,” said Hinshaw.

“If you are symptomatic and have access to a rapid testing kit, we encourage you to use that test instead of going for a PCR test.”

Hinshaw explains this recommendation is to ensure high-risk groups as well as symptomatic individuals who do not have access to rapid tests, can be tested.

These higher-risk groups include anyone who lives or works in a high-risk setting or who qualifies for COVID-19 antibody treatment because of clinical conditions.

She says this recommendation aligns closely with other provinces including B.C. Ontario, and Quebec, and was made to help mitigate the current transmission rate of the Omicron variant.

“With cases growing exponentially, we must also begin to conserve testing capacity, reserving PCR testing for higher risk groups,” added Hinshaw.

Hinshaw outlined guidelines to follow based on the rapid test outcomes for an individual showing COVID-19 symptoms:

• Positive rapid test result: Isolate and notify all close contacts.
• Negative rapid test result: Isolate and complete a second rapid test 24 to 48 hours later.
• Two negative rapid test results: Isolate until symptoms resolve.

More information on the new recommendations can be found here.