Local pharmacy participating in COVID-19 pilot program
Alberta launched a pilot program testing asymptomatic people for COVID-19 at community pharmacies.
Health Minister Tyler Shandro introduced the program on June 25.
“By gradually expanding COVID-19 testing in community pharmacies, we continue to put safety first as we reopen the economy and get Albertans back to work.”
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The Medicine Shoppe in Eagle Ridge is one of the 20 Alberta pharmacies participating in the pilot.
Franchise owner, Osama Beniameen said he signed on when Alberta Health Services (AHS) reached out to him about the program.
“I did it for the sake of helping my community, ensuring that people have access to the testing.”
He said AHS provided staff with test kits and training to collect the swabs.
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In its first full week, Beniameen said The Medicine Shoppe registered five bookings.
He added AHS provides different tests and directions for residents experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
“When a patient phones us, we do a screening and ensure that the patient is asymptomatic. Then, we provide some education about COVID-19, book an appointment, and then the pharmacist can test and send the swabs to the lab.”
Beniameen said test results come back within a week if not within a couple of days.
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To book an appointment, call The Medicine Shoppe Eagle Ridge at (780) 790-1234.