Information for health care workers about when to seek testing for COVID-19, where to go, and what to do next
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:
- You are scheduled to work on site that day or are already working on site and develop symptoms during your shift.
- You have mild symptoms (do not come to work with severe symptoms) that could be COVID-19 and are still able to work.
- 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.