Testing types possible reason for confusion among Sunrise staff
By Gillian Slade on March 27, 2021.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDGslade@abnewsgroup.com Alberta Health Services (AHS) says there is a plausible explanation why some workers at the Sunrise Poultry Processors in Lethbridge, may think they are being unfairly required to work when sick.The first positive case of COVID at Sunrise was identified on Feb. 5. The latest numbers provided by Alberta Health on Thursday indicate there have been 92 cases to date, up from 75 a week ago. A total of 55 people have already recovered and 37 are still active.
There are reports of some workers who while waiting for results of their COVID tests are being required to go into work.
Dr. Vivien Suttorp, AHS lead medical officer of health for the South zone, told a media conference on Thursday, that she believes there is confusion about the difference between the types of testing.
“Someone who is now on quarantine because they’ve potentially been exposed, they need to stay home for 14 days and get tested,” said Suttorp. “They cannot come to work.”
On the other hand there are some people who have no symptoms but are being tested as part of an outbreak protocol measure. They do not need to stay home until they receive a negative test result, said Suttorp.
“I think there is confusion in the language and we have provided clearer messaging and are working very closely with Sunrise on a daily basis, multiple times a day, to ensure messaging is appropriate,” said Suttorp. 3
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