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By Abby Zieverink

Temporary PCR testing

Unimmunized physicians and staff allowed to return to work if tested frequently for COVID-19

Dec 23, 2021 | 4:27 PM

Starting December 23, unvaccinated health care workers will be allowed to return to work if they provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

At the direction of the Alberta Government to AHS, all physicians and staff have the option of temporary frequent COVID-19 testing to return to work.

AHS says testing will be available at their expense, and unimmunized staff will be required to provide proof of a negative Health Canada-approved COVID-19 test that was completed no more than 48 hours before each of their working shifts.

This as a precautionary measure to ensure the anticipated demand on the healthcare system caused by the Omicron variant can be met.

As of December 23, reportedly 1,400 full and part-time staff, not fully vaccinated, have been placed on unpaid leave however, with the implementation of the temporary testing option, these employees will have the option to return to work.

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According to AHS vaccinated healthcare worker staff includes:

• More than 97 per cent of full-time and part-time staff have had at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• More than 99.8 per cent of physicians have had at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• More than 99 per cent of ICU staff have submitted proof of being fully immunized.