Some changes coming as to who is eligible for a PCR test as well as what an employer should ask of an employee who doesn't feel well. 

Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer for Alberta, addressed the province regarding its record number of cases, saying the demand for PCR testing is at its highest because of how quickly the Omicron Variant can spread. 

Because the demand for PCR testing is so high, Hinshaw says changes will be made to the eligibility of these tests.

"Effective immediately, PCR tests will only be available to those in specific categories," says Hinshaw, "Some examples include continuing care residents, symptomatic household members of a person who works in continuing or acute care, individuals with any degree of symptoms who have risk factors, as well as healthcare workers and staff in acute and continuing care settings, shelters, and correctional facilities." 

Echoing what's been said in COVID press conferences in the past, Hinshaw reminds anyone who isn't feeling well with symptoms of COVID to stay home and isolate for 5 or 10 days, depending on vaccination status. 

For employers in Alberta asking their employees for a documented positive test result in order to miss work, Hinshaw says it's not feasible for everyone who is sick or tests positive on a rapid test to call their family doctor.

"To make it easier for those who want to document a positive rapid test result, we have worked with primary care colleagues and adapted a printable PDF form. Patients can use this form to enter their name, the time the test was taken, and other useful information that might be needed if they are asked to show a positive result."

Hinshaw urges employers and organizations to not require proof of a positive COVID-19 result to support sick leave requests right now, as test positivity is currently 40% and anyone with COVID symptoms almost certainly has COVID and should stay home. 

Information provided by the Government of Alberta