Supplied: Government of Alberta

By Abby Zieverink

COVID-19 update: January 27

Alberta expands PCR testing for children under two, Hinshaw reiterates isolation requirements

Jan 27, 2022 | 5:04 PM

The province has expanded its eligibility for PCR COVID-19 testing to included children under the age of two.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney alongside Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced this in the COVID-19 update on Thursday.

On January 10, the government limited PCR COVID-19 testing to focus on those with clinical risk factors for severe outcomes and those who live with or work in high-risk settings. This was due to Omicron COVID-19 variant causing an increase in demand for PCR tests, the testing system had been pushed beyond its capacity.

However, Hinshaw says now they are able to meet the demand for PCR testing with high-risk individuals in a timely manner.

Effective immediately, Hinshaw says children under the age of two are able to get tested for COVID-19 at AHS assessment centres.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“This is a pragmatic approach since rapid tests are currently not licenced for use in children under the age of two,” she stated. “The ability to be tested affects the required length of their required isolation due to COVID as these children are also not eligible for vaccination.”

“We want to ease the burden on parents by allowing them to access PCR testing since rapid testing at home is not recommended for this age group.”

Children over the age of two can be tested using a rapid antigen test.

Also during Thursday’s update, Hinshaw explained the current isolation requirements amid questions among some Albertans.

“The greatest transmission risk is in the few days before and after symptoms start but it is still possible for some people to transmit the virus and infect others for up to 10 days.”

An outline of COVID-19 requirements in Alberta as per Hinshaw’s explanation:

• Children with COVID-19 symptoms, positive COVID-19 test: 10-day isolation period.
• Children with COVID-19 symptoms, negative COVID-19 test: Required to isolate until symptoms resolve.
• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated: Required to isolate at home, away from others for 10 days.
• Fully immunized individuals (received two or three COVID-19 shots): Required to isolate away from others for at least five days, from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test. Further masking after the five-day isolation period is required, as Hinshaw describes below.

“The day you were symptomatic or tested positive, that is considered day zero. On day six, after the onset of symptoms, counting from that day zero or the sixth day after a positive test result, you are able to leave your home but must complete the rest of the ten days of isolation by wearing at minimum a well-fitting medical or three-layered cloth mask at all times,” added Hinshaw.

“This means in this time period you are not able to remove your mask, eat or drink with or near others.”

Hinshaw explains the extended mask-wearing is in an effort to mitigate the transfer of COVID-19 until the 10 days are complete.

“Once the full 10 days have passed, you no longer have any specific isolation or masking requirements over and above the public health measures in place.”