COVID-19 Test Kits Back in Stock!

Why do this?

A COVID-19 rapid screening test can be performed anywhere and takes approximately 15 minutes to see the results.  Frequent testing increases the chances of early identification of cases.

Data suggests the performance of a Rapid Antigen Test may not be as good at detecting Omicron compared to the previous variants but swabbing the inside of the cheek and the back of the tongue or throat, as well as the nose, increases the sensitivity of rapid tests in detecting Omicron.

Using Rapid Antigen Tests for Asymptomatic Screening

Individuals should be tested 3 or more times per week. Testing may be conducted at the workplace or at home prior to travel to the workplace. Currently, the requirements for disposing of rapid tests after use differs for residential and commercial locations.

Who can be tested?

• Employees, regular contractors, regular volunteers, and regular visitors of local businesses and community organizations.
• Owners of home-based businesses, including household members and others consistently in the space used for business.
• Employees and students of private career colleges (post-secondary) are required to be on campus.
• The staff of private schools (K-12 schools).

When can asymptomatic testing resume after recovering from COVID?

An individual with a confirmed COVID-19 on a Rapid Antigen Test (or PCR test) may resume asymptomatic screening 30 days after a COVID-19 infection.

Use of Rapid Antigen Tests by Symptomatic Individuals 

• A positive Rapid Antigen Test is highly indicative that a symptomatic individual has COVID-19 and the individual and their household are required to self-isolate.
• If two consecutive Rapid Antigen Tests, separated by 24-48 hours, are both negative, the symptomatic individual is less likely to be infected, and the individual is advised to self-isolate until symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms).