New eligibility and operational changes to Alberta’s PCR testing plan will come into effect July 18. .“We are taking steps to build on the foundation we have in place for dealing with other respiratory viruses,” said Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping in a Tuesday press release. .The release said tests in clinical treatment will need a referral from a healthcare worker, and some testing locations will change. .The release went on to say Albertans who need PCR testing will have to provide a referral from a doctor. These include people receiving outpatient treatment, pregnant women with symptoms, and people who have been referred for testing. .It said doctors will determine the best testing option for patients, which could include rapid tests at home or in the clinic. Albertans who are referred by a doctor will enter their physician’s name into the COVID-19 assessment tool, and their physician will submit a lab requisition form on their behalf. .“Over the summer and into the fall, Alberta can expect to see waves of COVID-19 continue, along with increased transmission of other respiratory viruses like influenza,” said Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw. .“I would like to remind Albertans of the importance of monitoring for symptoms, staying home when sick and, for those eligible for treatment, quickly accessing rapid or PCR testing when sick.”.The press release said Albertans who live and work in high-risk settings can continue to use the assessment tool. These include people who live and work in isolated and remote Indigenous communities and health care and long-term care workers. .These groups will continue to be eligible for testing in their communities and workplaces. .“These updates to our PCR testing program help facilitate care closer to Albertans’ medical homes, allow us to direct Alberta's testing capacity toward those who are most at risk, and allow some health-care workers who have been deployed to assessment centres for the last two years to return to their regular roles to support other health services,” said Copping. .Canada dropped its COVID-19 tests for vaccinated travellers in April. .Fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada no longer had to do COVID-19 testing before they came into the country by land, air, or via coastal ports..The Canadian government suspended its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for domestic and outbound international travellers, federally-regulated transportation employees, and government workers effective June 20. ."Today's announcement is possible because Canadians have stepped up to protect each other,” said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc..The announcement came after weeks of opposition parties and industry organizations pressuring the federal government to lift the restrictions, which have brought about long lines and delays at airports.
