Loading articles...

Province announces more rapid COVID-19 tests for businesses

Last Updated Mar 23, 2021 at 12:49 pm MDT

FILE - In this April 10, 2020, file image made from video, a lab technician dips a sample into the Abbott Laboratories ID Now testing machine at the Detroit Health Center in Detroit. Federal health officials are warning about potential accuracy problems with the rapid test for COVID-19 used at thousands of hospitals, clinics and testing sites across the U.S., including the White House. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The provincial government will soon supply millions of rapid COVID-19 tests to Alberta businesses and service providers.

An additional two million testing kits will be handed out following the rollout of more than 1.2 million rapid tests to long-term care facilities, schools, outbreak sites, hospitals and homeless shelters.

“This expansion of our rapid testing program supports our overall COVID-19 strategy, to shield those most at risk, to protect lives and livelihoods, and adapt our actions to new evidence as it comes,” said Health Minister Tyler Shandro in a release.

RELATED: Nearly 1M COVID-19 tests to be deployed in Alberta, rapid testing pilot coming to select schools

In order to be eligible to receive a testing kit, businesses must submit a screening program plan outlining plans for administering the test, the use of personal protective equipment and processes for reporting results and managing those who test positive.

Businesses will need to hire a healthcare professional to oversee the use of the tests but anyone who is trained to can administer them.

Since October of last year, Alberta has received around 2.6 million rapid tests with an additional one expected by the end of April.