EMS dispatch directed to stop screening callers for COVID-19 symptoms

It is part of a transition to a “demobilization and active recovery plan” and the conclusion of operations specific to COVID-19, he said.

However, the number of active cases is increasing and the virus is now faster spread in Alberta only during the third wave of the pandemic.

The note was released online by Dr. Joe Vipond, a Calgary emergency physician and founder of Masks4Canada, and AHS has confirmed its legitimacy.

AHS told CBC News on Sunday in a written statement that treating those suspected and confirmed of COVID-19 would continue to be part of EMS work, and the teams have full guidance on COVID precautions.

He also pointed out that the majority of paramedics received the two doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

“AHS EMS staff continue to follow all AHS guidelines in the care and treatment of patients and in the use of PPE,” the statement said.

“Continuous masking remains in place in all workplaces, including clinical and patient areas, and break and meal rooms.”

Province decides to suspend protocols

The transition coincides with a wider movement to suspend COVID-19 health protocols in Alberta.

The province announced last week that those who test positive will not be legally required to self-isolate after Aug. 16, and testing will only be done for those who show severe symptoms after Aug. 31.

The changes prompted members of the medical community to protest in Calgary and Edmonton, and concerns from Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, and Paul Boucher, chief of the Alberta Medical Association.

“The pace at which public health measures are ending is troubling,” Boucher wrote in an open letter to members on Friday.

“I do not dispute that the transition from a pandemic to an endemic state is the future, but I would strongly advocate a less rushed approach.”