Alberta and Saskatchewan shorten isolation period for fully vaccinated

Over the past 24 hours the governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan have announced shortened isolation periods (to five days) for fully vaccinated people following a positive infection, based on new medical insights. 

Both provinces acknowledged they hoped this would provide some relief to employers struggling to manage staffing shortages related to COVID isolation requirements.

Alberta isolation changes:

Effective Monday, January 3, Alberta’s isolation requirements will be reduced from 10 days to five from the start of symptoms, for fully vaccinated Albertans. The change reflects similar moves several other provinces, and by the Center for Disease Control in the United States. 

Isolation must continue if symptoms persist, until they are resolved. Further, for 5 days following isolation, the individual is expected to wear a mask at all times when around others outside of home.

Those not fully vaccinated must continue to isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms or until they resolve, whichever is longer.

On Thursday, it was announced that students across Alberta from K-12 will be returning to in-person classes will be delayed until January 10, creating potential challenges for some retail workers.

Saskatchewan testing and isolation changes:

Effective immediately, asymptomatic Saskatchewan residents who receive a positive COVID-19 result on a rapid antigen test will no longer be recommended to receive a confirmatory PCR test. 

Further, fully vaccinated asymptomatic residents, including all retail employees who receive a positive COVID-19 result on a rapid antigen test or PCR test, will only be required to self-isolate for five days, down from 10 days. They must however follow all other protocols, including notifying close contacts.

Those that are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated must continue to self-isolate for 10 days from the date of test, or 48 hours after your symptoms have ended, whichever is later.

Fully vaccinated close contacts of confirmed cases are not required to isolate, unless they exhibit COVID related symptoms.

Saskatchewan earlier this week announced that the timing for children returning to schools after the holiday break will not be delayed.