Alberta leading the continent in COVID-19 testing, but looking to prioritize better
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 26, 2020.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade Alberta Health is looking at the potential to increase the number of COVID-19 tests but is already leading the way on the number of tests per capita. “Alberta is doing the most COVID-19 testing per capita in North America, so we agree that widespread testing is very important. Testing is available in every part of the province. There are assessment centres open throughout Alberta and AHS can open more if needed,” said Tom McMillan, spokesperson for Alberta Health. A total of 32,418 tests had been carried out in Alberta by Tuesday. Of that number, five per cent or 1,627 tests, were in the South Zone, which includes Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and surrounding communities. Internationally, some medical experts have been advocating for widespread testing to take place, even those with no symptoms. When all passengers on cruise ships were tested, regardless of whether they had symptoms or not, 20 per cent without symptoms tested positive. McMillan says it will never be possible in the short-term for our labs to test everyone in Alberta, or for every province and territory to test every Canadian. “That is why we are focusing on those who are at highest risk of local exposure and at-risk populations. This is the best way to detect community transmission and limit the spread.” On Monday Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer, announced changes to who would be tested in future. The aim is to give priority to groups that are at higher risk. People returning from out of country to Alberta after March 12 and have mild symptoms will no longer be tested. They are advised to self-isolate. Testing will be prioritized for those with symptoms who fall into the following categories: those hospitalized with respiratory illness, residents of continuing care and other similar facilities, those who returned from travelling abroad between March 8 and March 12 before the self-isolation protocols were in place, and later this week health-care workers with respiratory symptoms. Anyone with symptoms who does not fit any of these categories should stay home and self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the start of their symptoms, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. Hinshaw says data now available, from other areas where studies have taken place, has indicated that 10 days of self-isolation is adequate rather than the previously recommended 14 days. McMillan says Alberta Health is working to expand testing capacity. “We continue to order more supplies and equipment and work collaboratively with partners across the province.” The News has not been able to get a response regarding whether former laboratory facilities and staff could be reactivated to help. There has also been no information on how long it would take to get them up and running and whether it is feasible even to consider such an initiative. “Albertans need to remember that they don’t need a test to do the right thing. The most important thing that anyone can do if they have mild symptoms isn’t to get tested – it’s to stay home and self-isolate,” said McMillan. 17-16
