Kenney on list for expedited testing

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is part of a small group of government officials approved for expedited COVID-19 testing, while other MLAS — including Municipal Affairs Minister Tracy Allard — have to wait days for results.

The premier, who has tested negative for the virus, is in self-isolation after coming in close contact with Allard last Thursday. Allard learned about her positive COVID-19 test Wednesday and is also in isolation.

At a news conference Thursday, Kenney, who attended virtually, said he found out about Allard's positive result and that he would have to be tested after question period Wednesday, around 3:05 p.m.

By approximately 10 p.m. he had tweeted that the results came back negative.

Kenney said Allard began exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 last Friday. She recently had a close contact who tested positive.

“She did the right thing, the moment that she exhibited symptoms on Friday, she self-isolated, she got tested, and that test result came back yesterday afternoon,” Kenney said.

Because the legislature was not in session last week, Allard would not have been in contact with any employees, he said.

Government officials have said that the average Albertan is waiting between three and seven days to get the results of a COVID-19 test.

In a statement to Postmedia, chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said expedited testing was approved by cabinet for “a few people” this spring, which she said is a standard best practice for emergencies in Canada and around the world.

“The Alberta list is extremely small and focused on a few individuals, such as including senior government officials. This is important to helping government and services during a pandemic,” Hinshaw said.

At her news conference Thursday, Hinshaw clarified that the cabinet has created a list of criteria rather than a list of names and that government officials decide who qualifies under that criteria.

“The criteria that were put forward were individuals who were essential to the pandemic response. They weren't able to easily be replaced as an individual in that response,” she said.

Hinshaw said that when she has had symptoms she received expedited tests.

Tara Jago, issues manager for the minister of health, said in an email that those who qualify would typically include the deputy minister of executive council (the head of the Alberta Public Service), the deputy minister of municipal affairs (responsible for emergency preparedness), the deputy minister of health and the minister of finance. It does not include the entire cabinet, she said.

Opposition NDP Leader Rachel Notley questioned why the premier should qualify since he is not symptomatic and will have to remain in isolation for 14 days regardless because he came into contact with Allard.

“There are single mothers who have had to isolate, who are leaving their jobs, who are pulling their kids from childcare, who are waiting to get tested and while waiting for those results they are not getting paid. Why does this premier think it's appropriate for him to cut the line?” Notley asked during question period Thursday.

House Leader Jason Nixon confirmed that Kenney qualified for expedited testing but said other MLAS have to follow the standard steps.

Transportation Minister Ric Mciver and UCP MLAS Angela Pitt, Peter Guthrie, and Nathan Neudorf have also been isolating since Wednesday because they interacted with Allard last week.

At a news conference Thursday, where he appeared virtually, Mciver said he still hasn't had his COVID-19 test.

“If you're out there, AHS, I'm waiting, along with other Albertans. I have to wait my turn. So I'm looking forward to getting that call,” he said.