Concerns raised about accessibility of rapid test kits in Alberta

CALGARY — The Canadian government distributed 4.4 million COVID-19 rapid tests to Alberta, and so far, just over one million have been used.

It has some wondering if the distribution process is fair, and what we can do with the remaining?

“The use of a rapid test is really part of a bundle in trying to prevent infections in the community,” said Dr. Daniel Gregson, an infectious disease expert from the University of Calgary.

The Government of Canada spent billions of dollars on COVID-19 rapid test kits and, like many provinces, getting your hands on one of the test kits in Alberta can be time-consuming, challenging and expensive.

“The tests aren’t that inexpensive so, for professional sports teams, (it’s) fairly reasonable. Someone going on a $10,000 trip to Peru and has to be tested on a daily basis, fairly reasonable.

READ MORE:

• Jagmeet Singh pens letter to Trudeau, Hajdu requesting federal support for Alberta amid fourth wave

• Alberta reports second highest number of COVID-related deaths in a single day

• Alberta hospitals getting harassing calls questioning COVID ICU capacity

“But for young children who are going to play local hockey, probably not reasonable on a regular basis.”

Rapid tests are everywhere in the U.K. and residents use them regularly. In Germany, a box only costs a few bucks.

But in Alberta, it’s $40 for a rapid test at your local pharmacy.

Though you can get a free rapid test in Alberta under certain conditions.

A large one being if your business or organization is eligible. Employers and service providers can apply to receive complimentary kits for their employees.

While helpful, these tests are only distributed to employers and not customers, leaving many groups unable to access free tests.

Some parents have advocated that they should receive test kits to use on their school-aged children, as they believe it could help prevent school outbreaks.