Rapid tests are pricey, and that means many people 'just won't test,' expert warns

A public health expert says Newfoundland and Labrador's decision to reduce PCR testing makes sense, but she's concerned about access to rapid COVID-19 tests for people who can't afford them.

Rapid tests are available to buy online or in some retail stores, but Dr. Brenda Wilson, a public health physician in St. John's, noted they can be expensive — especially if someone is on a low income or needs to be tested frequently.

"Unless they're made available in some other way, either extremely cheaply or, you know, for free, then I think people just won't test," Wilson, an associate dean at Memorial University's Faculty of Medicine, said Monday in an interview with The St. John's Morning Show.

Last week, the province's Department of Health and Community Services announced only the most vulnerable populations, people with symptoms who are at increased risk, or people who are essential to keeping the health-care system working would be eligible for PCR tests, which had previously been provided to anyone for free. The main requirement had been symptoms for COVID-19.

While some other provinces have given out unlimited COVID-19 rapid tests for free, Newfoundland and Labrador has restricted distribution through schools, health care centres, congregate living facilities, corrections services and other facilities.

In a news release last week, the Department of Health advised people who can't access rapid tests have to isolate for 24 hours or until symptoms subside.

While speaking with reporters Monday, PC MHA Paul Dinn said he's already heard of people selling rapid tests on a "black market" of sorts.

He said for low-income individuals, staying home from work often isn't an option, especially for those without paid sick leave.

"These are people falling through the cracks," he said.

"It's putting unnecessary stress on individuals and putting unnecessary stress on their bank accounts."

He said the government's COVID-19 strategy has been mostly successful, but called for better access to rapid tests for people who can't afford them.

On Friday, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald explained the decision was made to free up health-care system capacity and to help it return to normal.

Wilson agreed that the decision to stop COVID-19 PCR testing for most residents fits an overall strategy by public health to change the way people think about the virus and get society back to normal.

"[It is taking] us through a transition to treating this much more like it's flu or any other viral disease where we really don't give it that kind of attention and we leave it to people to to handle it for themselves," Wilson said.