COVID-19 Isolation Requirements

The College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA) has received some questions about recent changes in COVID-19 requirements. Registrants are encouraged to review the CAA Guideline: Practicing during COVID-19 carefully. As recommended in the guideline, registrants are encouraged to use the Alberta Health Services COVID-19 Self-Assessment for Albertans for patient screening. The self-assessment tool is up-to-date with provincial requirements and will help determine whether the patient needs to be tested or isolate.

Rapid testing

Albertans can get free COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits for at-home use to help detect infections early and stop the spread. To ensure PCR testing is available to those who need it most, only people at high risk of severe outcomes or who work in high-risk settings need to book a follow-up PCR test if they get a positive result on a rapid test. Addition information is available on the Government of Alberta website: Rapid testing at home.

Positive COVID-19 test

A person who received a positive COVID-19 test result on a point of care (POC) test, take-home test, rapid test, or a third-party test is legally required to isolate.

Isolation requirements

Effective January 3, Albertans are legally required to isolate as outlined below:

  • Fully vaccinated (2 doses or 1 dose Janssen): Isolate for 5 days from the start of symptoms or until they resolve, whichever is longer, if symptoms are not related to a pre existing condition. For 5 days following isolation, wear a mask at all times when around others outside of home.
  • Not fully vaccinated (1 dose or less): Isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms or until they resolve, whichever is longer, if symptoms are not related to a pre-existing condition.
  • If you test negative and have symptoms, you should still stay home and away from others until symptoms resolve.

Acupuncturists must refrain from providing services while required to isolate or from providing care to patients who are required to isolate.

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