In time for the holidays, free rapid COVID-19 tests now up for grabs in Alberta
CBC
Albertans can now pick up free rapid COVID-19 test kits from pharmacies and clinics as the province braces for an increase in cases of the Omicron variant.
Starting Friday, 700 select pharmacies — in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer — and 140 Alberta Health Services sites in other communities will have the test kits available.
The AHS sites supplying the tests can be found here on the Alberta government website. A full list of participating pharmacies will be posted online Friday.
The tests, which use nasal swabs to detect viral proteins in a biological sample, can deliver results in under 20 minutes.
They will provide an important added layer of protection against the spread of COVID-19 at a time when the Omicron variant threatens to dominate infection rates, said Craig Jenne, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Calgary.
"It's a little step, but a very, very powerful tool when used properly," Jenne said.
"To use a rapid test in lieu of all other restrictions is probably not the wise strategy, but as an important add-on tool, this can be a very effective extra step."
The kits will be useful over the holidays, Jenne said. "To do a rapid test prior to dinner to ensure that there are no breakthrough infections coming to your Christmas gathering can be a very effective tool in keeping these environments safe."
More than 500,000 rapid antigen test kits will be available but the province is trying to secure a larger supply.
Kits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Albertans can pick up one box of five tests once every two weeks.
During an update on COVID-19 Thursday, Premier Jason Kenney said the tests will allow more Albertans to gather together safely.
"This is especially welcome at this time of year as we know more Albertans will be mixing and mingling throughout the Christmas season," Kenney said.
Watch: How to administer a rapid test
Intended for people who are symptom-free, the tests can be used by people aged 14 and older — and children aged 2 to 13, if the test is performed by an adult.
More Alberta seniors are now eligible for a provincially funded RSV vaccine.
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