Province announces new measures against Omicron COVID variant

The province’s rapid testing program is expanding to allow all Albertans to have access to free rapid tests. Test kits of five individual tests will be available at select Alberta Health Services (AHS) sites and pharmacies beginning Friday, December 17.

700 pharmacies across the province will have tests available, located in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer, as well as 140 select AHS sites in other communities. A list of participating locations is available here. As more kits become available from Health Canada, more locations will be added.

More than 500,000 rapid antigen test kits will initially be available for at-home use. Kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The province noted that there is a limit of one box of tests within a 14-day period per person. Albertans can pick up one additional box for another person(s) who cannot pick one up themselves, provided they have that individual’s health care number.

The tests are intended for at-home personal use for regular screening in asymptomatic people. Anyone who tests positive on a rapid test or who has symptoms should book a confirmatory PCR test through AHS and must isolate for 10 days or until they receive a negative PCR test result.

Minister of Health Jason Copping stated, “more Albertans are choosing to be vaccinated and following public health measures, which is helping protect Alberta’s health system. However, as with past variants, Omicron has the potential to change the situation quickly.”

“Immediately expanding access to booster doses and offering free rapid testing will allow Albertans to identify infections and protect against them.”

In-home rapid tests will be made available to foster families and kinship caregivers with school-aged children as well.

The rapid test kits being provided for free cannot be used for the province’s Restrictions Exemption Program (REP), which required privately paid-for test results. The free kits cannot be used for travel, either, as they do not include appropriate documentation, so Albertans are advised to not use them for domestic or international travel needs.

Rapid test kits will also be made available at more schools and for vulnerable populations.

RAPID TESTING IN SCHOOLS

All K-6 schools on alert status (which means two or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last 14 days who were present at school while infectious) can now request rapid test kits. Participation in this program is optional for schools, parents and staff.

More information is available here. To date, the province notes that more than 90 schools have requested tests for students and staff, and more than 35,000 students and staff have accessed rapid tests through this program.

EXPANDED VACCINE BOOSTERS

Additionally, as of today, December 15, Albertans aged 50 and older and all health-care workers who have had their second dose six months ago or longer can book their third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to increase their protection against the virus, especially amid the spread of the Omicron variant of concern. This move will make up to 700,000 more Albertans eligible to book booster shots.

Albertans who were previously eligible for a third dose can continue to book that shot. More details on booking your COVID vaccine appointment are available here.

RELIEVING STRAIN ON HEALTH-CARE SYSTEM

Alberta Health is working with AHS on plans to restore intensive care unit surge capacity if Omicron starts to put pressure on the province’s health-care system. Alberta Health is reviewing policies for health-care worker exposure, infection prevention and control, and visitors to acute/continuing care sites.

CLARIFYING HEALTH MEASURES

Albertans are being asked to adhere to public health measures over the holidays regarding social gatherings, masking and personal hygiene.

Effective immediately, indoor social gatherings will stay limited to 10 people, which applies to Albertans aged 18 and over, with no limits on those under 18.

The province notes there will be no limits on the number of households and no distinction between vaccine and unvaccinated attendees.

Premier Kenney said, “we are closely monitoring developments around the Omicron variant and are taking immediate action to protect Albertans and slow the spread in our province.”

“We strongly encourage Albertans to do their part to address the threat of Omicron by getting a booster dose, using rapid tests when appropriate and following Alberta’s public health guidelines.”

Mandatory masking remains in effect for indoor public places.

Outdoor social gathering capacity remains at 20 people, regardless of vaccination status. Physical distancing between households is required.

More on the province’s response to COVID-19 is available here.

by Justin Goulet

Province announces new measures against Omicron COVID variant

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