Formal agreement between those who use rapid antigen tests, health authority no longer needed
Saskatchewan is making it easier for businesses and individuals to use free rapid antigen tests to help screen people who do not show symptoms of COVID-19.
The province has amended The Medical Laboratory Licensing Regulations, 1995 to eliminate the requirement for a formal agreement between those who use rapid antigen tests and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
“Our government is committed to improving access to health care services for people across the province, and providing the necessary tools to address the pandemic,” said Paul Merriman, minister of health. “This step means that businesses and individuals can easily procure and use these tests, helping asymptomatic people who have COVID-19 receive testing and treatment more quickly. Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get vaccinated.”
More than three in five (63 per cent) small businesses are considering using COVID-19 rapid screening in their workplace if it would help their business stay open, the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) said in February.
Large national businesses that operate in Saskatchewan can request for the tests through the federal government's online business portal, available here. Meanwhile, small and medium-sized enterprises within the province can apply for rapid tests from the SHA by submitting an Intake Form available here.
This is a big development, said Jason Aebig, CEO of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, in a LinkedIn post.
“Regulations have been loosened to allow businesses to procure and use these FREE tests, helping asymptomatic people who have COVID-19 receive testing and treatment more quickly,” he said. “These tests are FREE and will be shipped DIRECT to your door.”
The free tests will be provided for workplace screening as supplies allow, however Saskatchewan's federal allocation of rapid antigen tests will be prioritized for health care professionals and priority settings, such as long-term care facilities, personal care homes, schools, group homes and shelters, according to the provincial government.
“The Saskatchewan Health Authority's Test to Protect program is an important element of a multi-layered approach that we have added to our pandemic response along with vaccination,” said Carrie Dornstauder, SHA testing chief. “The Test to Protect community rapid antigen testing program provides workplaces with early detection of COVID-19 ensuring a strong and healthy workplace and workforce through outbreak prevention.”
Health officials strongly recommend that people who receive a positive test result immediately self-isolate and call 811 for further instructions, such as scheduling a confirmatory test through a SHA testing centre, according to the government.
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, some 25 per cent of the total death count because of the virus were attributed to immigrants, according to a recent report. Also, 73 per cent of Canadians surveyed believe that the high number of deaths in LTC homes related to COVID-19 could have been reduced if governments had acted sooner, according to a report released in March.
