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UCP announces expansion of rapid testing for COVID-19

Last Updated Feb 9, 2021 at 11:57 am MDT

A medical assistant prepares to take a swab from a patient at a new drive-thru and walk-up coronavirus testing site in Seattle, Saturday, April 25, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Elaine Thompson

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – The Alberta government is expanding its rapid testing program as more cases of the COVID-19 variant appear in the province.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro said rapid tests will soon be given to asymptomatic staff in all long term and supportive living facilities as early as next week.

Shandro also announced a pilot project that will supply 7,000 rapid tests at Suncor Energy’s base plant in Fort McMurray and the First Nation and Métis community of Fort McKay.

“Expanding rapid tests to help keep the 36,000 staff safe who take care of Alberta’s seniors is the next logical step,” said Shandro. “The Suncor pilot is also an exciting development and a critical first to what I hope will be many private sector employers embracing rapid tests to restart the economy.”

Shandro added the rapid tests will be supplied for free through the government, and be used once a week but can be increased to twice in week in some situations.

“Revera is excited to have the opportunity to work with Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services to offer frequent testing to employees in its long-term care homes and retirement residences in Alberta,” said Dr. Rhonda Collins with Revera

Rapid testing has already been in place at 33 centres in Alberta, 29 hospitals and seven homeless shelters with more than 1,000 workers able to administer the tests.