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By Canadian Press
Rapid Testing

Alberta deploying rapid COVID-19 tests for work sites, schools, care centres

Mar 11, 2021 | 7:03 PM

EDMONTON – Health Minister Tyler Shandro says Alberta is deploying nearly one million rapid tests to screen for and reduce potential cases of COVID-19.

About 325,000 tests will be used for oilsands workers and another 267,000 for long-term care and designated supportive living and hospice facilities.

He says 100,000 will be sent to rural and remote hospitals and another 100,000 will go to a pilot program in schools, starting with two schools in Calgary next week.

The rapid tests are confirmed within 15 minutes, allowing potential cases to be isolated earlier to reduce community spread.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, reported 364 new cases of COVID-19 and says more than 317,000 doses of vaccine have been administered.

She also announced five more deaths, bringing that total in the province to 1,933.

by Canadian Press