Interior Health using combination of rapid and PCR tests amid Omicron spread, with booster shot eligibility increasing

KAMLOOPS — With the highly transmissible Omicron variant spreading throughout B.C., Interior Health (IH) is using a combination of rapid tests and PCR tests to identify positive cases.

Interim Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Sue Pollock says if someone receives a positive test result, they need to follow public health protocols.

“If an individual is fully vaccinated and they get a positive test – whether that be PCR or a rapid test, they do need to isolate for five days, and once the five day period is up and their symptoms are improving, then they can come off of isolation.”

At this point in time, people who do not have symptoms are being told not to come for a test. Interior Health says they’re trying to use the rapid and PCR tests for those who require it.

“And so our staff will be asking some questions to ensure that people are eligible,” notes Dr. Pollock, “We ask people to be patient. We have heard that there are some line ups happening at some sites, and we are still gaining access to more rapid tests so we just ask people to be patient.”

Those who are given a PCR test or a rapid test are asked to use the BC CDC self-reporting tool if they test positive, and next steps will be determined after that.

“So the actual numbers that are being reported publicly are only the PCR tests,” explains Dr. Pollock, “So the purpose for the self report is actually so we can identify people who require the full case and contact management public health follow up.”

In Kamloops, Dr. Pollock says about 90 per cent of people aged 12 and over have received a first dose, and about 87 per cent have gotten their second dose. Booster shots are becoming available to more people who have reached six months since their second shot, and pediatric vaccinations have also increased.

“So for five to 11 year olds, but also for 12 to 17 year olds, we know that currently about 24 per cent of our five to 11 year olds in the Kamloops area have gotten that first dose.”

Interior Health says people who want to get a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can drop in, but those who want to get a booster shot need to book an appointment ahead of time.