Skip to main content

Quebec reserves PCR testing for select high-risk groups

Share
MONTREAL -

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.

More details here.

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

opinion

opinion King Charles' Christmas: Who's in and who's out this year?

Christmas 2024 is set to be a Christmas like no other for the Royal Family, says royal commentator Afua Hagan. King Charles III has initiated the most important and significant transformation of royal Christmas celebrations in decades.

Stay Connected