Swab mouth and nose for more ‘complete’ COVID rapid testing: Quebec public health

Quebec’s interim public health director Dr. Luc Boileau said Friday that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations is expected to rise for another two weeks, and he urged Quebecers to take precautions against the virus. Adding that those 60 and over are more at risk for serious illness, but that all ages are getting sick amid the sixth wave. And asking everyone who is eligible to get their third and fourth doses.

“There is a fragility right now and with our health care system, we need to protect our health care workers from getting sick,” said Dr. Boileau, as more than 13,000 workers in the health network are out sick amid the ongoing sixth wave.

Also advising everyone to isolate as soon as they have COVID-like symptoms and test. And keep testing. If positive, isolate for 10 days and contact your pharmacist within five days for access to Paxlovid pills for those at risk of complications – like the immunocompromised – or the not vaccinated above 18 who have risk factors.

Rapid testing: swab your mouth and then nose

Infections are rising and many are performing rapid tests, but getting negative results. Public health urging people to keep testing within 24 hours of the negative test if you have symptoms.

“When you have a negative test you need to repeat, it can show up positive the third or fourth day,“ said Dr. Jean Longtin, microbiologist with the Quebec Health Ministry. The advice now that people swab the mouth and then nose when performing rapid tests.

Dr. Longtin explaining that now public health is recommending the combined oral and nasal method insert swab tip between inner cheeks and lower gums and turn the swab several times. Then, if comfortable, rub the soft swab tip on your tongue as far back in your throat as you feel comfortable with. Then in your right and left nostril and let sit for a few seconds.

#WATCH: “We need to insert the swab tip in between the cheeks and the lower gum,” said Dr. Jean Longtin, on how to properly administer a rapid test with new public health recommendations on a combined oral and nasal method. #Covid_19 #Quebec⁰⁰READ: https://t.co/tveBIBjgF1 pic.twitter.com/fjAm8Ma4w8

— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) April 8, 2022

A total of 3,572 new infections, with 1,199 tests self-declared by Quebecers who were positive. The overall case numbers likely an undercount as access to PCR tests is limited to specific groups and not everyone self-declare their rapid tests.

Hospitalizations and cases increase

Quebec reporting 30 more deaths due to COVID-19 and a 55-patient rise in the number of hospitalizations linked to the virus in the last 24 hours.

There are now 1,637 patients in hospital after 230 people were admitted and 175 people were discharged.

The number of patients in intensive care is down by two, to 62.

Mask mandate until at least April 30

“All regions are at risk, we need to stay aware with things opening up,“ said Dr. Boileau. “It’s not our intention to extend the mask restrictions in May, if the contamination gets worse, then we will revaluate.” The mask mandate right now is in place until at least April 30 for public spaces.

Health officials say another 35,199 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours.

“The vaccine is effective in helping minimize symptoms,“ said Dr. Longtin, emphasizing it is there to help reduce the risk of hospitalization, acting as a shield and with Paxlovid we can protect the most vulnerable of the population.

#WATCH: “With 2 doses you obtain about 80% of reduction of your risk to develop a serious disease that will bring you to the hospital," said Dr. Boileau, Quebec's interim public health director. "For a third dose […] at least 90% reduction.”

READ: https://t.co/tveBIBjgF1 pic.twitter.com/oKFFt0HUxi

— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) April 8, 2022