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By Dori Modney

two million kits

Alberta announces massive expansion of COVID rapid testing

Mar 23, 2021 | 12:53 PM

EDMONTON, AB — At least two million free rapid testing kits are about to be offered to public, private and not-for-profit employers and service providers across Aberta.

The provincial government says they announcement follows the successful rollout of more than 1.2 million rapid tests to long-term care facilities, schools, outbreak sites, hospitals, homeless shelters and industries across the province.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro says the kits have been used successfully in long-term care, shelters, and large worksites to keep Albertans safe.

The tests can help identify pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic cases so they can be isolated early. Individuals with symptoms should continue to be tested by scheduling through Alberta Health Service’s online self-assessment tool.

“This expansion of our rapid testing program supports our overall COVID-19 strategy, to shield those most at risk, to protect lives and livelihoods, and adapt our actions to new evidence as it comes,” said Shandro. I am pleased that we are able to give businesses and service providers another tool for screening cases early and breaking the chain of transmission.”

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To be eligible for rapid testing kits, employers and service providers must submit a screening program plan that outlines:

• protocols for administering the tests
• the use of personal protective equipment
• processes for reporting results and managing individuals who screen positive.

According to a news release, health-care providers are required to oversee the organization’s screening program. However, the tests can be administered by a trained layperson, and self-administration is permissible under certain conditions.

While anyone can apply, the government will prioritize businesses or organizations involved with vulnerable populations, high-risk settings and workplaces, first responders, essential services and critical industry, and sectors that support the reopening of economic and social activities.

Important facts about the project:

• Rapid tests will be provided for free to all successful applicants.
• Alberta has received approximately 2.6 million rapid tests since October 2020, with an additional one million expected before the end of April.
• Organizations are responsible for all costs related to establishing and operating their screening programs and assume all medical and legal responsibilities associated with them.
• If a business or service provider needs help finding a health care provider to oversee their screening program or requires additional supports to develop a program plan, a list of third-party resources is available at alberta.ca/RapidTesting.
• Rapid testing kits have already been deployed to help screen and test cases, including:
  • 523,000 tests to long-term care and designated supportive living facilities
  • 443,000 tests to several companies in critical industries such as oil and gas, transportation, meatpacking and utilities
  • 100,000 tests to support a rapid screening pilot in schools
  • 40 COVID-19 assessment centres
  • 47 hospital-based labs
  • Eight homeless shelters

Businesses and service providers can apply for the Rapid Testing Program on the Alberta Government website.

(Lethbridge News Now)