Self-isolation 'no longer required' for people with COVID-19, BCCDC says
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control says self-isolation is "no longer required" for people who have COVID-19, though people who have symptoms should still stay home as much as possible.
The updated guidance was posted on the BCCDC website Thursday. It reads:
"Starting Nov. 17, 2022, people who have COVID-19 are no longer required to self-isolate. However, it is still important for people with symptoms to stay home as much as possible to reduce any potential spread of illness until your symptoms have improved, and you are able to participate in your usual activities."
While the change is notable, it's not a significant departure from the centre's previous guidance on self-isolation.
Archived versions of the BCCDC website show that, before the recent changes, self-isolation was required for those who tested positive for COVID-19, with specific time frames depending on vaccination status.
That guidance applied to a limited number of people, however, because the vast majority of people in the province are not eligible for a lab-based, PCR test.
For those who were not eligible for a lab-based test, the BCCDC's previous guidance did not indicate a specific isolation period was required.
"If you were not recommended for testing but have symptoms of COVID-19, there is no set amount of time for self-isolation," an archived version of the guidance reads.
"Instead, you'll need to self-isolate until your symptoms improve, you no longer have a fever, and you feel well enough to return to your normal activities."
The new, updated guidance on the BCCDC website encourages all British Columbians who have COVID-19 symptoms – regardless of testing or vaccination status – to manage the disease the way they would other respiratory illnesses.
"Consider how you manage other illnesses that you do not get tested for like cold and flu," it reads. "Stay home if you are feeling unwell and resume your regular activities when you feel you are able to manage them. If you have a fever you should stay home until it is gone without medication."
B.C. is currently experiencing a surge of doctor visits and hospitalizations – particularly among children – due to respiratory illnesses, including influenza, RSV and common cold viruses.
On Wednesday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said COVID-19 continues to circulate, but has not been the driver of the recent surge.
"That's not what's causing most of the respiratory illness that we're seeing right now," she said.
There were 328 test-positive COVID-19 patients in B.C. hospitals as of Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.