Anyone experiencing Covid symptoms in BC is being asked to assume they have the virus.
According to Dr Bonnie Henry, the Omicron variant spreads too rapidly for contact tracing measures to keep up.
Compared to other variants, Omicron is contagious far earlier than other variants, with carriers capable of spreading the virus within 2 to 3 days from exposure.
In addition, the variant attaches itself to the upper airway, making it easier to spread in smaller amounts.
With these factors in mind, the Province is asking anyone showing symptoms of Covid to assume they are positive.
For vaccinated residents, that means isolating for 7 days, and notifying close contacts.
Unvaccinated residents are being asked to isolate for 10 days, as well as notifying close contacts.
If you are a close contact to someone who has notified you of symptoms, and are vaccinated, you should monitor symptoms for 14 days.
Notified unvaccinated close contacts should self-isolate for 10 days and monitor symptoms for 14.
In addition, the province is asking that only those who are showing symptoms go to testing centres.
PCR tests and rapid tests are being used for those showing symptoms, targeting younger individuals with less severe risk factors.
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