Alberta businesses can apply for rapid testing programs

Mar 23, 2021 | 12:46 PM

The Alberta Government is launching a new program that will provide rapid COVID-19 test kits to employers and service providers.

The distribution of two-million testing kits for businesses in Alberta comes following the rollout of more than 1.2-million rapid tests to long-term care facilities, schools, outbreak sites, hospitals, and homeless shelters across the province.

“Rapid testing kits have been used successfully in long-term care, shelters, and large work sites to keep Albertans safe,” says Minister of Health Tyler Shandro in a release.

“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.”

Any employer or service provider can apply for this rapid test program, though priority will be given to applicants who work with vulnerable people and/or first responders, who work in high-risk workplaces or setting, and those that provide essential services.

In order to be eligible for the rapid testing kit program, employers and service providers must submit a screening program as part of their application. The screening program must outline protocols for administering tests, the use of personal protective equipment, the process for reporting results, and the system used to manage individuals that test positive.

The screening programs must be overseen by a health-care provider, though tests can be administered by a trained lay person, or even self-administered in certain situations.

Successful applicants will receive the tests free of charge, though organizations will be responsible for all costs related to establishing and operating the screening process.

by Liam Verster