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
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
A Holocaust survivor will mark that history differently after the horrors of Oct. 7
This year's Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins on Sunday evening in Israel, carries a heavier weight than usual for many Jews around the world.
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.