As we enter a post-pandemic context, COVID-19 protocols are changing to align with CDS/DM directives to end formal COVID testing.
As of August 13, 2022, CAF members will no longer receive a medical certificate of isolation due to COVID-19 symptoms. It will be the responsibility of the chain of command to monitor symptomatic personnel. Additional information to guide you is provided below.
Known seasonal allergies
If members suffer from seasonal allergies and their symptoms are similar to their usual symptoms, and they respond to allergy medication (antihistamines), they may consider that they do not have COVID symptoms. Typical seasonal allergy symptoms include runny nose, red or irritated eyes, cough and shortness of breath. However, if they also have other COVID-19 symptoms that do not correspond to allergies, such as sore throat, body aches, fever, etc., they should follow the protocol for symptomatic members.
Vaccination status
There are 2 vaccination statuses: "vaccinated" or "up to date."
- Vaccinated: 2 doses or more (administered more than 6 months ago)
- To be considered "up to date" against COVID-19: a member must have received a bivalent booster dose within the last 6 months.
Isolation period for CAF personnel
Member is symptomatic and test positive.
- 7-day exclusion from the workplace, then medical mask for a further 3 days.
Isolation period for candidates on course
If trainee's rapid antigen test is positive:
- Isolation for 5 days, followed by 5 days wearing a medical mask.
Quarantine period due to close contact
Close contact means that you have been in contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 while they were symptomatic, or up to 48 hours before they developed symptoms.
Also, you must have been in contact with this person for more than 15 minutes without a mask and within 2 meters of each other.
Since Alberta does not currently have a quarantine mandate, quarantine for CAF purposes is "work at home." This means that the soldier is not to enter base facilities, but is allowed to go to stores, restaurants, etc., off base.
Close contact (asymptomatic) responsibility:
- Self-monitoring of symptoms
Isolated patients
Members are responsible for informing their chain of command of any isolation or quarantine requirements. Further information on the policy is available on the website below:
12 CFHS COVID Guidelines - En.pdf (mil.ca) (DWAN only)
Access to medical care
CAF members will continue to have access to a clinician if needed or requested. Despite test results, if a member has symptoms of COVID-19 and feels they need to be evaluated by medical staff, they can call reception for an appointment at 780-842-1363, ext. 1720.
Reporting positive results for COVID-19
If a CAF member tests positive on the Rapid test, he or she must send an e-mail to UPS to report the positive result. Emails should be sent to the COVID account at +WRT 12 CF H Svcs C Covid@12 CF H Svcs C@Wainwright (DWAN only).
Please provide the following information:
-Name and rank -Service number
-Date of positive test -Date of onset of symptoms
Access to pharmaceutical products
If members need over-the-counter medication for their COVID-19 symptoms, or to obtain a prescription or refill, they must call the pharmacy at 1726 to request their medication. The pharmacy will fill a member's request as soon as possible. These medications can be picked up by a designated person identified to the pharmacist on behalf of the member for delivery to the member. The medication will be packaged confidentially, with only the patient's name, but not the contents of the package. In certain circumstances, if a member does not feel comfortable having someone else pick up their medication, they can report this to the pharmacy, who can ask a clinic staff member to deliver the medication to the member's car in the clinic parking lot.
Contact information
CDU COVID e-mail: +WRT 12 CF H Svcs C Covid@12 CF H Svcs C@Wainwright
(DWAN only)
Reception: 780-842-1363 ext 1720
12 CF H Svcs C (Wainwright) continues to provide operational testing for deployment requirements. Requests should be made as soon as possible to avoid delay in results. Rapid testing requests should be indicated as such and will be approved on a case by case basis.
All requests for Operational and Administrative testing should be directed to the Clinic Ops cell at Local 1719 or +WRT 12 CF H Svcs C Ops and Trg@12 CF H Svcs C@Wainwright (DWAN only)