Alberta reports 1,625 new COVID-19 cases, changes testing and contact tracing recommendations

No new deaths were reported to Alberta Health in the last 24 hours.

The province's top doctor announced new recommendations for COVID-19 testing in Alberta as active cases increase.

"With cases growing exponentially, we must also begin to conserve testing capacity," Hinshaw said. 

Alberta Health recommends that anyone who is symptomatic and has access to a rapid testing kit, isolate and use the result of that test instead of booking an appointment for a PCR test.

If someone tests positive after using a rapid test and are symptomatic, Hinshaw said they should notify their close contacts of potential exposure and isolate. 

If the test result is negative, but a person is symptomatic for COVID-19, Hinshaw added that they should wait 24 to 48 hours and take a second rapid test. If that result is negative, isolation is still recommended until symptoms subside. 

Exceptions to the new testing recommendations include those working in high-priority settings, like health care and continuing care facilities, and those who have a high-risk condition.

"This is aligned with other provinces and is necessary to ensure our teams are focusing their efforts on the settings of highest priority," Hinshaw said.