The Alberta government is changing testing protocols when it comes to COVID-19, to focus on those the province has deemed most at risk.

A statement released Monday from Alberta Health says travellers who returned to Alberta after March 12 and have mild symptoms will no longer be tested for COVID-19.

Instead, health authorities in the province will prioritize groups at highest risk of local exposure and at-risk populations. Officials say others will be given the same advice as Albertans if they are feeling unwell to self-isolate at home and away from others.

This change is effective going forward, so anyone who has already been told by Health Link that they will be tested will still get tested.

“Changing our testing protocols will allow us to focus Alberta’s testing capacity on those most at risk. This is consistent with the approach happening across Canada. It will enable us to strategically use our testing resources,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Testing will be prioritized for people who are symptomatic who are hospitalized with respiratory illness; residents in continuing care or similar health facilities; People who returned from travelling abroad between March 8 and March 12, before the self-isolation protocols were in place; health-care workers with respiratory symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms who doesn't fit any of those categories should stay home and self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the start of their symptoms, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

“Our new approach reflects the fact that the most important thing anyone can do if they have mild symptoms isn’t to get tested – it’s to stay home and self-isolate,” said Hinshaw.

The online self-assessment tool has been updated to reflect the change in testing for returning travellers.

Alberta Health Services says it is building extra capacity to be able to provide advice to returning travellers with symptoms, ensuring they are following proper medical directions including staying home and away from others and monitoring their symptoms.