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Health Minister Tyler Shandro (Courtesy: Government of Alberta)
By David Opinko
Rapid Testing

Province expanding rapid COVID testing at care homes, developing workplace pilots

Feb 9, 2021 | 12:22 PM

The Government of Alberta is growing its COVID-19 rapid testing capacity.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced Tuesday that up to 36,000 staff in care facilities across Alberta will soon have regular rapid tests.

“I’m pleased to announce that we’re expanding our use of rapid testing to include asymptomatic staff in long-term care and supportive living facilities in the province. AHS has identified the first sites that will expand their testing as soon as next week.”

It was not stated which facilities in Alberta would begin rapid testing next week.

Staff will be required to get tested for COVID once per week. However, if the positivity rate in that community reaches at least five per cent, tests will need to be done two times every week.

“We hope and expect it will make a difference here in Alberta as well, and let me say that this isn’t just another policy announcement – it’s deeply personal. It’s about protecting the most vulnerable Albertans, our parents and our grandparents including my own.”

This is not the only new announcement regarding COVID-19 tests that was made today.

Shandro also announced a pilot project at Suncor’s base plant near Fort McMurray and on the First Nation and Metis community of Fort McKay.

Lead by Creative Destruction Labs, they will test approximately 523 workers twice per week for 10 weeks.

“This is a win-win. It will help to protect hundreds of workers at one of the largest worksites in the province and support research that will better understand the best ways to use rapid tests in workplaces as well as other settings.”

Following the conclusion of this pilot, Shandro says they will look at developing workplace testing initiatives at correctional facilities, shelters, and schools.

In Alberta, those who get a rapid COVID-19 test can expect to learn their results in one-to-three hours.

by David Opinko