B.C. makes rapid tests available for people 40 and up
Posted March 15, 2022 4:49 pm.
After British Columbians called for more accessibility to rapid testing, the province expanded the program which will now include kits for anyone ages 40 and over.
Starting Tuesday, eligible individuals 40 and older can pick up one kit containing five rapid tests every 28 days from participating pharmacies at no cost.
As per the existing rapid test program, people can pick up kits on others’ behalf as long as they have their personal health number, full name, and date of birth.
The province recommends individuals only pick up the kits if they do not have symptoms of COVID, and to use them if they have symptoms in the future.
According to the province, as of March 15, seven million tests have been shipped to pharmacy distributors with 1.86 million rapid tests dispensed through more than 1,300 participating pharmacies.
B.C. is expecting to receive more than four million tests from the federal government in the next three weeks, in effort to expand B.C.’s rapid test program and accessibility.
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Last week, the province expanded the age eligibility to people 60 and up, after the rollout started with those 70 and up on Feb. 25.
Many have criticized B.C.’s distribution of rapid tests. The province has taken a different approach to distributing RATs than other jurisdictions in Canada, like Quebec and Alberta, which made them available in the community to people regardless of age last year.
A list of the more than 1,000 B.C. pharmacies where tests are available can be found online. However, some companies have advised people call locations ahead of time to check supply.
