Quebec reserves PCR testing for select high-risk groups
As demand for COVID-19 testing soars, Quebec public health announced new screening priorities Tuesday for PCR tests. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms who falls outside of the groups listed below must take a rapid-test instead — and if there’s no rapid tests available, said individuals will be considered COVID-positive and must follow the appropriate isolation guidelines.
PCR tests performed in screening clinics are now reserved for symptomatic individuals belonging to the following groups:
- People who are hospitalized
- Emergency room patients
- Health care workers in contact with patients
- Staff, residents, essential care providers and visitors in hospitals and group lodging facilities
- Ambulatory patients for whom COVID-19 treatment is being considered
- Homeless people or those in precarious residential situations
PCR tests will also be reserved for:
- People who live in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities or travel there for work
- People transferred to or from a hospital or group home
- Symptomatic OR asymptomatic people in settings where confirmed or suspected outbreaks have occurred
- Asymptomatic people in hospitals, long-term care facilities and group lodging settings
On Tuesday the province also lowered the isolation guidelines from 10 to five days for most people, namely those with COVID-19-like symptoms, those exposed to the virus through a positive person in their household, those who are double vaccinated, and children under 12. For others, the isolation period remains at 10 days.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough or sore throat, and a loss of taste or smell, should isolate.
Those who are adequately vaccinated can stop isolating after five days if their symptoms improve and after at least 24 hours without a fever.
Those who are not adequately vaccinated must isolate for 10 days.
Quebecers are instructed to follow isolation measures iof they receive a positive results on a rapid test. If they receive a negative results, they should isolate and take a second rapid teat 24 hours later.
If the second result is negative and symptoms diminish, Quebec Public Health states you can return to normal activities, but wear a mask and be sure to keep distancing.
If the second result is negative and symptoms persist or worsen, stay isolated and consult a health-care professional if needed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
developing Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.