Here's what you need to know about who needs to get rapid tests, PCR tests and more in Alberta

As COVID-19 cases surge in Alberta in a fifth wave driven by the more highly infectious Omicron variant, the province changed the criteria on Dec. 23 around who should get a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test through Alberta Health Services.

With COVID cases doubling every two to three days instead of the weeks it took in previous waves, the province is urging people to take every precaution to stay safe and curb the spread.

But we don't blame you if you're having trouble following who should do what when, so we thought we'd help by breaking it down for you.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province's chief medical officer of health, said the changes on Dec. 23 aren't meant to block Albertans from accessing free PCR testing but to ensure labs aren't overwhelmed and can focus on the highest priority cases.

The government says only people who are at high risk of severe outcomes or work in high-risk settings need to book a followup PCR test if they get a positive result on a rapid antigen test.

High-risk settings include:

Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, teachers and staff are also still eligible for PCR tests through Alberta Health Services if they test positive on a rapid antigen test.

People are also eligible if they're at high risk of severe outcomes, such as people who have received immunosuppressive treatments to treat conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or inflammatory bowel disease since December 2020.

If you have COVID symptoms not related to a pre-existing condition and aren't in one of the high-priority groups (see below) such people who work in health-care facilities or are in congregate living) — you should test yourself at home with a rapid antigen test kit.

The core COVID symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, sore throat or runny nose.

If you test positive on a rapid test, you should take as confirmation that you have COVID-19 and you are legally required to isolate for 10 days or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer, as well as notifying all close contacts.

If your rapid test result comes back negative, you should still isolate and take another rapid test within 24 to 48 hours, the province says. A negative test result does not rule out infection.

Even if a second test comes back negative, you should continue to isolate until your symptoms are gone. 

Close contacts of positive cases are no longer legally required to quarantine.