Negative rapid test not a 'green light' for those with COVID-19 symptoms, Sask. top doc says
Saskatchewan's top doctor says a negative rapid COVID-19 test result does not mean it's time to head back to work or school if you're experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms.
"Please don't use the rapid test as a green light to go back to school or work because if you're symptomatic, you must isolate for 24 to 48 hours," Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said while speaking during a virtual news conference on Tuesday.
If a person's symptoms progress to include congestion and fever, Shahab recommends seeking the more accurate PCR testing offered by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Shahab said not only does a positive PCR test help someone know their true status, but it also serves as a point of access for early interventions that may help those who are older or have underlying risk factors.
To help preserve the province's capacity to offer PCR tests, the Saskatchewan government is asking residents to self-test using at-home antigen tests if mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic — and to take action if the telltale line appears that indicates a positive result.
However, while a recent study showed false positives are rare, Shahab said false-negative rapid antigen test results are not uncommon.
"If your rapid test is negative, it doesn't guarantee you don't have COVID. And of course, it also depends on your technique, how far back you're going with the swab and how diligently you're following the instructions.," Shahab said.
With "hardly any" flu going around Shahab said if a person has respiratory symptoms, especially fever and congestion, it's likely COVID-19.
"So irrespective of whether you do an antigen test, or go for a PCR test, stay home for those five days (if fully vaccinated), including 48 hours after you're symptom free.
"We were used to dragging ourselves to work coughing and unwell and obviously once the pandemic came that is no longer acceptable," said Shahab, who also emphasizes employers have a critical role to play.
"I will not deny that it's a challenge for employers, for business owners, for staff," Shahab said.
"It is so important for all workplaces to have a COVID protocol … because many employers also understand that for example, if you're running a restaurant with 10 staff and if everyone is doing a rapid test twice a week and stays home — even if they're asymptomatic — that protects the rest of the staff," Shahab said.
"Otherwise, if you're forced to go to work, you potentially could expose other staff."
Shahab pointed to updated resources offered by WorkSafe Saskatchewan as a good starting point for employers looking to fine-tune their approach during this latest stage of the pandemic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.