COVID-19 Pandemic - Priority for screening will now be given to symptomatic people and people who have been in contact with an infected person
In the current context, where Quebec is experiencing a significant resurgence of cases of COVID-19 and community transmission is accelerating, it is essential to prioritize tests that have a higher probability of finding cases in order to effectively control outbreaks.
The Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux (MSSS) announced that in order to optimize screening for people at higher risk of infection, access to screening could be denied to a person who is not part of the priority clienteles.
The most recent data shows that the probability of finding a positive case for COVID-19 is highest in:
- people with symptoms compatible with COVID-19;
- people who have had close contact with a person with COVID-19.
If a person does not belong to one of these categories, it is not considered necessary to take a test, unless it is recommended by public health or a health professional. This restriction is temporary and may be reassessed as the situation evolves.
Please note that these new screening procedures do not apply to individuals who are scheduled to have operative or invasive procedures as well as immunosuppressive therapies.
For more information on COVID-19: Québec.ca/coronavirus