File photo of a rapid test. (Dreamstime)

By Justin Goulet

Free rapid COVID-19 test kits now available in Alberta

Dec 17, 2021 | 8:32 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – UPDATE: Alberta Health Services has confirmed that due to high demand, AHS sites in Lethbridge, Coaldale, Pincher Creek and Medicine Hat have run out of free rapid test kits. AHS says more will be available next week.

Over 400 kits were handed out in each community Friday morning.

(BACKGROUND)

Rapid COVID-19 test kits are available for free to all Albertans as of today.

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Earlier this week, the province addressed the growing concern surrounding the Omicron variant of COVID-19. One of the new measures noted by Premier Jason Kenney was the expansion of the province’s rapid testing program.

READ MORE: Province announces new measures against Omicron COVID variant

Beginning today (Friday, Dec. 17), rapid test kits of five individual tests are available at select Alberta Health Services (AHS) sites and participating pharmacies.

Around 700 pharmacies across the province will have the kits available, located in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer, along with roughly 140 AHS sites in other communities.

A list of the participating locations is available here. The province noted that when more kits become available from Health Canada, more locations will be added to the list.

Initially, over 500,000 rapid antigen test kits will be available for at-home use, on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of one box of tests within a 14-day period per person and Albertans can pick up one additional box for another individual(s) who cannot pick it up themselves, provided they have that person’s health care number.

The rapid tests are intended for at-home personal use for regular screening in asymptomatic individuals. People who test positive on a rapid test or who has symptoms are asked to book a confirmatory PCR test through AHS and have to isolate for 10 days OR until they receive a negative PCR test result.

Additionally, in-home rapid tests will be available to foster families and kinship caregivers with school-aged children.

The rapid test kits cannot be used for Alberta’s Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) as those require privately paid for test results. The free kits cannot be used for travel, either.

Rapid test kits will also be made available at more schools and for vulnerable populations.

More information on rapid testing in Alberta, and the free rapid test kits, is available here.