New guidelines for COVID-19 testing and isolation in New Brunswick came into effect on Tuesday night.
PCR tests are now being reserved for those at highest risk of being hospitalized, including:
- People in areas at highest risk, including health-care workers and those who live or work in long-term care facilities, homeless shelters and correctional facilities.
- Individuals who are symptomatic and aged 50 and over.
- Symptomatic individuals who are immunocrompromised or pregnant.
- People who need a PCR test for travel.
- Those who are identified as a priority by Public Health.
Everyone else, including those who are symptomatic but under 50 and do not live in a vulnerable setting, will have to take rapid point-of-care tests (POCT).
But in order to get rapid tests through the Horizon or Vitalité health networks, you must now have COVID-19 symptoms and an appointment. You can book an appointment by clicking here.
“To protect our supply of POCT, please only use them if you have symptoms of COVID-19,” said the province’s coronavirus web page.
“If you have access to rapid POCT, please share with those who need them. Rapid tests don’t protect anyone when stored on a shelf at home.”
Positive rapid test results are being treated as positive cases, and you will be asked to report your result online.
Public Health says if you have a negative rapid test, you should only test again if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
“You will continue to test positive for up to 90 days, even though you may no longer be infectious. Therefore, do not keep testing until you get a negative result,” said the province.
Vaccinated people who have tested positive and asymptomatic close household contacts will only need to isolate for five days.
Unvaccinated people who have tested positive, as well as unvaccinated asymptomatic household contacts, will need to isolate for 10 days.
Close contacts outside of a household will be asked to mask continuously, avoid vulnerable settings and people, and limit their contacts as much as possible for at least 10 days.
After isolation, people must wear a mask continuously and avoid vulnerable settings and gatherings for the next five days.
If a close contact develops symptoms, they will be directed to take a rapid test, unless they meet the requirements for a PCR test.
With files from Tara Clow and Brad Perry.
