Private PCR tests recommended: Workers’ Compensation Board

A reliance on rapid testing in Saskatchewan has raised the question of how workers presumed COVID-positive can expect to be compensated for their time off without a PCR test.

The province has been encouraging rapid antigen testing for most residents. Any vaccinated person who receives a positive result on a rapid test is instructed to isolate for five days after their test or until 48 hours have passed since their last symptoms.

As part of the effort to relieve the strain on PCR testing sites, residents are no longer being encouraged to pursue a PCR test in addition to a positive rapid test result to confirm their illness, unless they are high risk or displaying symptoms.

Jennifer Norleen-Beitel, vice-president at the Workers’ Compensation Board, said PCR testing is part of the COVID injury claims process. However, she doesn’t want the requirement to have a PCR test to become a barrier to workers seeking compensation.

“If a worker suspects that they’ve contracted COVID-19 through employment, if they’ve received a positive rapid antigen test, we would encourage them to seek a PCR test,” Norleen-Beitel said Thursday during a Provincial Emergency Operations Centre media briefing.

She recommended workers pay for their own PCR testing at a private lab to help preserve PCR testing capacity for people at the highest risk.

“We will look at reimbursing private test expenses if a workplace exposure is under review,” Norleen-Beitel said.

COVID claims will be assessed after considering evidence like relevant medical information, a person’s occupation and the nature and extent of their exposure.

Derek Miller, the acting vice-president of infrastructure, information and support with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), said it’s important to preserve that capacity in anticipation of growing testing demands.

Miller said the SHA is working to ensure it can meet the threshold of 3,000 to 4,000 tests each day, and encouraged members of the public to understand the province’s most up-to-date guidance on when to seek a PCR test.

The province said rapid tests are still being well supplied to Saskatchewan, with a total of 4.3 million expected by the end of the month. More than a million of those tests still have yet to be delivered.

More than 600 locations across the province are offering access to rapid tests for free pickup by Saskatchewan residents.