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
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Being harassed at work? What to consider when deciding what to do next
If you've been the victim of workplace harassment, it can be difficult to feel you're not alone - and even more difficult to know where to go with a complaint.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Half of Canadians support TikTok ban, with U.S. concerns 'trickling' north: poll
A new poll indicates 51 per cent of Canadians support banning the social media app TikTok, after a U.S. bill aiming to do just that passed in the House of Representatives.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.