$4.5M investment to expand Alberta’s COVID-19 testing capacity

May 5, 2020 | 4:00 PM

The provincial government says a $4.5-million investment in new virus detecting equipment and technology will help strengthen Alberta’s COVID-19 response.

The funding announced on Tuesday includes a $1.7-million donation by Calgary Health Trust, with Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta making up the balance.

In a release, the province says that as a result of the investment Alberta’s COVID-19 daily testing capacity will be more than doubled from 7,000 to 16,000.

“Our ability to maintain COVID-19 testing capacity at the highest levels in Canada is critical to Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy,” says Premier Jason Kenney. I want to thank Calgary Health Trust and its donors for their generous contribution at this challenging time. Through continued support and ongoing vigilance, together we will slow the spread of the virus and reopen Alberta.”

“With this new testing technology, Albertans have another way to help us flatten the curve and protect our most vulnerable citizens,” says Health Minister Tyler Shandro. “By getting tested and providing invaluable data to health professionals, we can have the best possible information to guide and evaluate our relaunch actions.”

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Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) is also expanding testing capacity by securing additional supplies including swabs and reagents, and taking steps toward achieving 24-7 testing.

As of May 1, APL Laboratories has completed more than 150,000 tests, making Alberta a national and international leader in per capita COVID-19 testing. Alberta is currently averaging about 5,000 tests per day.

The province says new equipment will be used in the future for other forms of virus testing, including for seasonable influenza and will be located at sites around the province where they are most needed to support enhanced public surveillance and testing activities.

(With file from Government of Alberta media release)

by Troy Gillard

$4.5M investment to expand Alberta’s COVID-19 testing capacity

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