Vancouver Island healthcare workers advised not to test for COVID

A worker picks up a self-collection COVID-19 test kit to be given to arriving international passengers at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond on July 30, 2021. DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press

The Vancouver Island Health Authority is advising its health care workers not to test for COVID-19 unless they are at increased risk for the disease, a decision that weighs on the healthy one, according to a scientist who has been closely tracking the disease contradicts common sense.

The health agency’s guidance was posted on its website on February 1, noting that provincial guidelines are still in effect. These guidelines state that anyone who tests positive can return to work five days after symptoms appear.

However, Iceland’s health policy goes on to say some workers may need to return to work before the five days are up if their fever has passed, if they are feeling well and if their manager has determined they have to work.

“It is important to remember that the majority of healthcare workers with respiratory symptoms do NOT need to be tested for COVID-19 and can return to work when their fever has resolved and they feel well enough to work,” says the memo.

The BC Center for Disease Control has advised people with symptoms of COVID-19 to get tested if they are at risk of a more serious illness, are hospitalized or are pregnant. Everyone else doesn’t need to get tested, but should stay home until they’re better. However, the center suggests they can pick up a rapid antigen test at their local pharmacy if they wish.

However, Island Health’s guidance for healthcare workers is more meaningful for those who don’t fall into the three risk categories.

“COVID testing for HCW is not recommended,” said the health department, emphasizing the last three words in bold.

The memo was issued by Reka Gustafson, the former deputy provincial health officer who joined Island Health last fall as chief medical health officer, and Ben Williams, the agency’s chief medical health executive. Questions about the policy were directed to the Department of Health, which did not immediately respond.

Sarah Otto, a theoretical biologist at the University of British Columbia who has been following the evolution of the coronavirus, said there was “no point” in increasing the risk of COVID-19 for hospitalized patients who are already most at risk.

“Having medical staff tested and confident that they are COVID-free when they work is an absolute minimum line of defense to keep COVID off wards,” she said in an email.

BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau said advising healthcare workers to avoid testing and minimize time off is contrary to good public health policy.

“It’s quite surprising to me considering there’s a virus that continues to circulate around the world, continues to mutate and contribute to some really significant outcomes,” she said, pointing to both deaths and long COVID .

“It feels to me like Island Health doesn’t take this virus seriously.”

She said with the health system under pressure, its workers needed to be supported and protected.

“The idea of ​​telling health care workers to go to work when you’re sick and not even trying to determine what you’re sick with is the antithesis of health care. It’s mind-bending. How do we have a healthcare system that can deliver outcomes for people around wellbeing if we don’t consider the wellbeing of the people in the healthcare system?”

The Fraser Health Authority has advised its staff to follow guidance from the BC Center for Disease Control, which means they don’t need a test if they have mild symptoms, are fully vaccinated and are able to self-isolate. But staff or medical personnel should not come to work and test themselves with a rapid antigen test if the symptoms are more severe.

With an account by Justine Hunter

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