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
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.