Ottawa residents with COVID-19 symptoms asked to self-isolate for 10 days due to testing shortage

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) says COVID-19 testing is no longer available for everyone in a timely manner due to a surge in demand, so it's asking anyone unable to access a test to assume they are infected with Omicron and self-isolate for 10 days from the time their symptoms began.

In a COVID-19 update, posted to OPH's website on Monday, December 20, Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sarah Funnell, and Medical Director Dr. Sarah Erdman explain household contacts of anyone in need of a test, regardless of their vaccination status, will also be directed to isolate. 

“This important change in contact management guidance is due to the significantly reduced vaccine effectiveness of two doses against the Omicron variant,” they wrote. “Please note that the situation is evolving rapidly, and guidance is subject to change quickly.”

The update also outlines, symptomatic individuals must self-isolate even if they test negative on a rapid antigen test as these tests can produce false negative results.

OPH anticipates existing testing capacity (both obtaining samples and processing in the labs) will need to be preserved for essential workers, and in order to protect the city's most vulnerable populations.

OPH reported last week that its case management team has been experiencing significant capacity challenges, which has led to delays in reaching individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. OPH is still asking everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 to notify their high-risk contacts, and advise them that they might have been exposed to the virus. 

Further information on directions for those who test positive for COVID-19 can be found in this letter. 

OPH says anyone who tests positive will be provided with a letter with detailed instructions on isolation and testing recommendations to share with their high-risk contacts.

If testing capacity permits, all high-risk contacts, irrespective of vaccine status, are advised to get tested for COVID-19. Those who are experiencing any symptoms are advised to get tested as soon as possible, while those who are asymptomatic are advised to get tested on or after Day 7 following exposure to someone with COVID-19.