B.C. rapid tests now available to people aged 30+

If you’re 30 years or older in B.C., you can now pick up a COVID rapid test at pharmacies across the province. The B.C government announced Monday, you can now get a free kit of five tests every 28 days.

British Columbians will need to bring their personal health number (PHN) when picking up the kit, and if someone is picking one up on your behalf, they need to bring have your name, PHN, and date of birth.

B.C.’s rapid test rollout started with people aged 70 and up on Feb. 25. Health officials said it would pick up pace as supply increased. Since then, eligibility has gradually expanded by age groups.

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British Columbians are urged not to wait until they have symptoms before you pick up your tests.

“Individuals should pick up a test kit when not having symptoms of illness to use at a future time when having symptoms of illness. Guidelines for testing continue to indicate tests should be used for symptomatic individuals,” reads a statement from the province.

Rapid tests are less accurate than standard testing, but results are much faster, typically within 20 minutes of taking the test.

As of March 17, about 7.6 million tests had been shipped to pharmacy distributors, according to to the province. It adds more than 2.3 million rapid tests have been given out through more than 1,300 pharmacies.

It adds it’s expecting to receive more than 2.5 million tests from the federal government in the coming weeks.

On Feb. 22, B.C. schools began receiving millions more COVID rapid tests, distributing them to students to take home for themselves and their families.

With files from Mike Lloyd and Claire Fenton