Fraser Health to start asymptomatic tests for close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases

Fraser Health said on Monday it will now conduct asymptomatic testing for close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region.

“Effective immediately, we have expanded COVID-19 testing recommendations to include all high-risk contacts of individuals who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms,” the health authority said.

Fraser Health also noted that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will now be asked additional questions about their exposures, their close contacts, and their ability to self-isolate.

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In the meantime, steps are being taken to “streamline screening for variants so we can identify and notify positive cases more quickly.”

Fraser Health said that over the last few days, it has been working “closely” with the Surrey and Delta School Districts to manage COVID-19 and COVID-19 variants of concern exposures at multiple schools.

“With the new measures in place, a range of actions were organized quickly depending on the exposure assessment, from rapid testing of a few close contacts to [the] testing of several classes,” the health authority said, adding that it is continuing to work on identifying any further connected variant cases to “ensure immediate isolation and case management to prevent further transmission.”