Overview

Alberta has one of the highest testing rates in the world. We offer free-of-charge testing to:

  • trace the spread of the virus so we can identify steps to limit further spread
  • determine how well our public health measures are working
  • get a point-in-time assessment of the prevalence of COVID-19 in Alberta
  • inform decisions to move to the next stage of Alberta's relaunch strategy

Who can be tested

In preparation for winter cold and influenza season, Alberta is updating its testing approach. Testing will prioritize Albertans with symptoms and vulnerable groups at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. This will reduce testing wait times and speed up access to results.

Priority testing is available to:

  • any person exhibiting any symptom of COVID-19
  • all close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases
  • all workers and/or residents at specific outbreak sites

Voluntary asymptomatic testing is also available to:

  • school teachers and staff
  • health care workers
  • staff and residents at congregate living facilities, including long-term care
  • Albertans experiencing homelessness
  • travellers who require testing prior to departure

Asymptomatic testing will be offered to additional groups if required.

Albertans who don't have symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 should speak with their health care provider if they have concerns about their health.

How to get tested

Book a test

If you have symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19, you must stay home and book your test online with AHS assessment tool or call Health Link 811.

Take the COVID-19 assessment / Book a test

Visit a participating pharmacy

Pharmacies can test people who have no symptoms and no known exposure to COVID-19.

Contact a participating pharmacy to arrange a test. To see if your local pharmacy offers testing, visit Alberta Blue Cross.

Health care, shelter and enforcement personnel testing

The following flowchart and online assessment tool are available for front-line workers:

Industry-initiated testing

Guidelines and parameters are available for companies that want to request and pay for testing for their employees, contractors or clients. Public testing is a priority.

Access your results online

Test results can be accessed online through MyHealth Records by Albertans 14 years old or older. This is a secure Alberta government service that helps keep track of your health information.

Symptoms

You should get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptom.

If you have any these symptoms you are legally required to isolate for at least 10 days from the start of your symptoms or until they resolve, whichever is longer:

  • Fever
  • Cough (new cough or worsening chronic cough)
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (new or worsening)
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat

If you have any of these other symptoms, stay home and minimize your contact with others until your symptoms resolve:

  • Chills
  • Painful swallowing
  • Stuffy nose
  • Headache
  • Muscle or joint aches
  • Feeling unwell, fatigue or severe exhaustion
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite)
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste
  • Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye

Monitor your health and call Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns. Call 911 immediately if experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.

Assess your risk

Some people have a higher risk of experiencing severe health outcomes, including hospitalization, intensive care or death.

Assess your severe illness risk

Help prevent the spread

Download and use the ABTraceTogether contact tracing app when out in public.

This voluntary app helps let you know if you've been exposed to COVID-19 – or if you've exposed others – while protecting your privacy.

See other ways to help prevent the spread.

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