BC residents over 70 will soon be able to pick up a COVID-19 rapid antigen test at their local pharmacy, as the province works to expand their distribution strategy.
Last week, BC health officials announced rapid antigen tests would soon be available for distribution through schools. The tests are for use by students and their family members if they become symptomatic.
Now, BC Health Officials have announced their next step, expanding distribution through community pharmacies across the province.
According to officials, 865,000 tests have been pre-positioned for community distribution by pharmacies, ready for pick up as early as Friday.
The Rapid Antigen Test kits will contain 5 tests, distributed to those who are eligible.
The tests are available at no cost to the individual, and there will be a limit of one kit per person within a 28-day period.
Individuals will also be able to pick up a kit for a family member/another person as long as they provide their name, date of birth and have their BC Services card with them.
The expansion of the program allows for tests to become more accessible to the public aged 70 and above, getting them into the hands of those who are symptomatic.
BC is expecting to receive an additional 12 million tests from the federal government within the next four weeks, which will support the province’s strategy to further distribute tests to members of the broader community.
According to officials, focus still remains on symptomatic people aged 70 and up as well as those who are most at risk. However, higher risk individuals are still encouraged to seek PCR testing.
