More Ontarians will soon be able to get their hands on a package of rapid COVID tests.
The province is expanding access to the rapid antigen tests, handing them out for free at more than select pharmacies and grocery stores over the next eight weeks.
“As we continue to carefully ease public health measures, rapid tests are providing another layer of protection and offer the public an additional tool to confidently do the things they love, like visiting family or dining at their favourite local restaurant,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “In addition to the millions of rapid tests deployed each week to support priority settings, including hospitals, long-term care homes and schools, working with our retail and community partners we are increasing access to at-home rapid tests.”
Elliot says residents will be able to get a box of five tests, limited to one per household, at more than 2300 participating locations, including Walmart, the Real Canadian Superstore, Sobeys, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Rexall pharmacies.
“Providing expanded access to testing for Ontarians will support the province’s cautious approach to easing public health measures,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “While testing is a critical component in our response to COVID-19, vaccination remains the best defence against the virus and its variants. Over the next few months, we need to continue following the public health measures that remain in place and vaccinate those who have yet to receive their doses to protect our communities and health care system capacity.”
You can visit ontario.ca/rapidtest to find a participating location near you.
