B.C. expanding COVID-19 rapid test eligibility to those 60+
Posted March 4, 2022 8:56 pm.
Starting Monday, people 60 and older will be able to pick up free COVID-19 rapid tests at B.C. pharmacies.
The province’s rollout started with those 70 and older on Feb. 25, with health officials saying it would pick up pace as supply increases.
Those who are eligible can pick up a kit, containing five tests, at participating pharmacies. A BC Services Card and personal health number are required. Those who want to pick up a kit for a family member or other person can do so, provided they provide a name, date of birth, and the person’s BC Services Card.
RELATED: Rapid test rollout in B.C. picking up the pace
There is a limit of one kit every 28 days, and people are being urged not to wait until they have symptoms.
“Individuals should pick up a test kit when they are asymptomatic to use at a future time when they have symptoms. Guidelines for testing continue to indicate tests should be used for symptomatic individuals,” says a statement from the Ministry of Health.
A list of the more than 1,000 pharmacies where tests are available can be found online, however calling ahead of time to check supply has been advised by some pharmacy chains.
B.C. has taken a different approach to distributing rapid tests than other provinces, like Quebec and Alberta, which made them available in the community to people regardless of age last year.
