Quebec to reserve PCR tests for specific groups, including the homeless and First Nations

Quebec announced on Tuesday that it would be reducing its isolation period for COVID exposure from 10 days to five days for those who are adequately vaccinated or under the age of 12.

The province made the announcement along with new guidelines for testing, as the province will provide PCR tests only for high-risk individuals and groups.

These groups include hospital patients, visitors, healthcare workers, homeless people, and First Nations peoples. The general population will have to rely on rapid tests.

The province says it will be receiving three million rapid tests this week, and will be delivered to pharmacies.

The province said on Tuesday that the tests would be reserved due to shortages of supplies, due entirely to the huge spike in cases caused by the mild Omicron variant.

The five-day isolation period includes stipulations, including that the person must stay distant from others for five days and wear a mask. Those who are not adequately vaccinated have also been asked to continue to abide by the 10-day isolation.

Global News reports that the Quebec department of health said that those without a rapid test and have COVID-19 symptoms should assume that they are positive, and isolate for the amount of time appropriate to their vaccine states.

To come out of isolation, one should not have symptoms for 24 hours including fever.