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Testing for COVID-19 to be expanded in Saskatchewan

The Ministry of Health has announced that testing criteria for COVID-19 has been expanded. Testing is available to anyone currently working outside the home, or anyone returning to work as part of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

The Ministry of Health has announced that testing criteria for COVID-19 has been expanded.

Testing is available to anyone currently working outside the home, or anyone returning to work as part of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan. The ministry says the test is quick and safe.

Testing will be offered to those being admitted to acute care for more than 24 hours, including expectant mothers, and immunocompromised individuals and their health care providers.

All lab tests have limitations. False positive or false negative results may occur.  The probability of a false positive result occurring increases as the prevalence of a disease in a population decreases.

If a positive test result is in question, the original sample is re-tested, and an additional sample is also taken for testing. If these are negative, the initial finding is determined to be a false positive.

When no symptoms are present, testing one day doesn’t mean you’re negative for COVID-19.  False negative results may occur early in the course of the infection; for example if someone was tested too soon after being exposed to COVID-19. The ministry urges people to get tested again if symptoms develop.

This is why the ministry says it is crucial for Saskatchewan residents to continue to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 at all times.

If you are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, headaches, aches and pains, sore throat, chills, runny nose or a loss of your sense of taste or smell, contact HealthLine 811 or your family physician for advice on whether you should be tested for COVID-19. You can also take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.