Alberta COVID-19 testing protocol changes to focus on high-risk citizens
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 24, 2020.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade Alberta Health has new criteria to determine who will be tested for COVID-19. People who were travelling and returned to Alberta after March 12 and have mild symptoms will no longer qualify for testing. If you are in this category you are required to “self-isolate” at home. If you have already been scheduled for a test through Health Link that test will still be done. “Changing our testing protocols will allow us to focus Alberta’s testing capacity on those most at risk,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health. “Our new approach reflects the fact that the most important thing anyone can do if they have mild symptoms isn’t to get tested, it’s to stay home and self-isolate.” In future, testing will be a priority for people who have symptoms, those hospitalized with respiratory illness and residents of continuing care and similar facilities. People who returned from travelling abroad between March 8 and March 12, before the self-isolation protocols began, but now have symptoms will qualify for testing. 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, said Hinshaw. When exposed to an illness, there is a time between the exposure and when you start to feel sick. This incubation period is usually two to 10 days for COVID-19, but can be up to 14 days, according to Alberta Health’s website. There is a small chance you can spread the germs before you feel sick. Anyone who feels well for the full 14 days after an exposure is not considered to be infectious. You should “self-isolate” for 14 days if you recently returned from travel outside of Canada, have a cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing, or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Self-isolating means staying home, not going to work, school, social events or public gatherings. Don’t take public transportation like buses, taxis or ride sharing. Choose a room in your home to self-isolate and if possible use a separate bathroom. Do not share dishes eating utensils towels or pillows with others in the house. Clean and disinfect surfaces used frequently such as doorknobs and counters. Wash your hands often with soap and water thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the garbage and immediately wash your hands. If you develop symptoms: dry cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing – do not leave the house. Take the COVID-19 self-assessment online or call Health Link 811 for instructions and testing. Please use delivery or pick-up services for grocery shopping or ask friends to drop off supplies at your door while you self-isolate. 17-16
