after the highly infectious omicron variant arrived in alberta, an covid-19 case counts climbed to heights last seen in the fall, the province’s chief medical officer of health, dr. deena hinshaw, recommended most albertans begin checking themselves for infection through the province’s rapid testing program rather than booking polymerase chain reaction (pcr) tests through alberta health services.
free rapid antigen tests are now available at pharmacies throughout the province, but with the kits in high demand , and some pharmacies unable to meet it, albertans may be wondering what to do next, and whether or not they meet the new guidelines for booking a pcr test.
the province wants to prioritize free pcr tests booked through ahs for those who live or work in “high-risk” environments and have received a positive result on a rapid test.
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the province’s new testing guidelines list high-risk environments as health-care settings, congregate care settings (long-term care, designated supportive living, lodges, group homes and hospices) and congregate living settings (shelters and corrections institutions).
those who qualify for antibody treatment, such as the recently approved drug sotrovimab, also qualify for a follow up pcr test if they are unvaccinated and over the age of 55. others who qualify for antibody treatment (and a pcr test) include adults 18 and older who are pregnant or live with a pre-existing condition such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
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during a press conference tuesday, alberta premier jason kenney said the province has shipped about four million tests to pharmacies across alberta, although some have reported running out of supply within hours, making it difficult for some albertans to secure a kit.
alberta blue cross hosts an interactive map listing participating pharmacies and test availability.
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