Testing information for staff and medical staff

As a temporary measure to preserve testing capacity, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is advising that you do not need to get a test if you are fully vaccinated, have mild symptoms, and are able to self-isolate.

If you are staff or medical staff at an acute or Fraser Health owned and operated long-term care facility experiencing mild symptoms (e.g. runny nose, scratchy throat, headache, etc.) you can receive an on-site rapid point-of-care test, provided you meet the following criteria:

1. You are scheduled to work on site that day or are already working on site and develop symptoms during your shift.
2. You have mild symptoms (do not come to work with severe symptoms) that could be COVID-19 and are still able to work.
3. Your role is essential to acute and/or Fraser Health owned and operated long-term care facilities and you are unable to perform your work from home or in isolation.

All other staff and medical staff should follow the guidance of the BCCDC.

• If you have mild symptoms, are fully vaccinated, and are able to self-isolate, you do not need to get a test.
• If you have more severe symptoms (not able to work), you should not come to work and go for a test at your nearest COVID-19 testing centre.

When can I return to work?

If you have mild symptoms, a negative rapid point-of-care test result, and are able to work, you can continue working with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining physical distancing during breaks, etc.

If you have a positive rapid point-of-care or PCR test result, you can return to work when:

• at least five days have passed since your symptoms started;
• your fever has resolved for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen; and
• symptoms have improved.

Please remember to report your positive rapid point-of-care test result here.

Getting tested at a testing centre

Staff and medical staff who need a test at a testing centre do not need an appointment. Please note the following:

• You will need to identify yourself as a health care worker and bring your Fraser Health or health care worker ID and B.C. Services Card.
• There is not a process for staff and medical staff to bypass long line-ups. Due to varying site infrastructure (e.g. drive through sites) and patient flow ability, allowing a process for staff and medical staff to bypass a line-up is not possible.
• We are doing our best to reduce traffic and congestion at sites overall so that everyone who needs a test has access.

If you share a household or are a close contact of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 and you remain asymptomatic, you can continue to work while self-monitoring.

Refer to our COVID-19 testing information page for more information and to find your nearest testing centre.