Overview

Alberta has one of the highest testing rates in the world. In addition to completing as many tests as possible, we are being purposeful in our testing in order to:

  • diagnose and treat individuals at greatest risk
  • trace the spread of the virus so we can identify steps to limit the spread
  • determine how well our public health measures are working.

If you have symptoms

If you are experiencing mild symptoms – cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat:

If you experience or see someone experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately.

Who is being tested

Alberta is testing those at greatest risk of severe illness, including anyone in hospital with a respiratory illness.

Testing is being offered to symptomatic individuals (i.e. cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath) who:

  • live in continuing care facilities, group homes or other similar congregate settings
  • are aged 65 years or older
  • live with someone aged 65 years or older
  • live in the Calgary zone

Testing is being offered to symptomatic individuals (i.e. cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath) in the following roles:

  • healthcare workers
  • group home workers and shelter workers
  • first responders, including firefighters and EMS
  • people involved in COVID-19 enforcement, including police, peace officers, bylaw officers, environmental health officers, and fish and wildlife officers
  • correctional facility staff, working in either a provincial or federal facility
  • essential service workers

As the situation evolves, Alberta’s testing approach and priorities will adjust according to need and direction from the chief medical officer of health.

To determine if you need to be tested and next steps, complete the COVID-19 self-assessment for Albertans or the COVID-10 self-assessment for healthcare and shelter workers, enforcement personnel and first responders.