Close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases will now be able to choose whether they quarantine themselves.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced on Wednesday they’re adapting the measures to match those in place for influenza and other viruses.
Starting on Thursday, close contacts will be recommended to isolate, however, it won’t be mandatory.
Only those who test positive will be contacted, while contact tracers will only investigate cases in high-risk locations such as continuing care facilities and crowded indoor spaces.
Those who aren’t vaccinated are being asked to watch for any symptoms and to avoid these locations if they’re told by a close contact they’ve tested positive.
Asymptomatic testing will also no longer be recommended.
“COVID-19 is still with us but we are now in a place where we need to manage it through vaccinations and the proven public health measures used for other communicable viruses,” said Dr. Hinshaw.
On August 16, you will no longer need to isolate after testing positive for COVID, however, it will continue to be strongly recommended.
Testing will remain in place for Albertans who develop symptoms.
“As the majority of us are vaccinated against COVID-19, we are adapting to make sure that the health system is ready to care for all Albertans, whatever their illness,” added Tyler Shandro, Alberta Minister of Health.
“Please get vaccinated to help protect your health and the health of those around you.”
Hospitalization numbers will continue to be monitored to see if measures will need to be re-introduced.
A complete list of all the changes can be found on the province’s website.
