COVID-19 rapid testing is available at Southview Pharmacy in Medicine Hat (Ross Lavigne / CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

COVID-19 rapid testing available at some Medicine Hat pharmacies

Sep 21, 2021 | 4:11 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB -The province’s new public health measures require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to eat in a restaurant or attend most public events, as part of the province’s restriction exemption program.

If you are not vaccinated and wondering where to get a rapid test, options are available.

Southview pharmacy is one of four pharmacies in the city that offer rapid testing. Both Shoppers Drug Marts and the Real Canadian Superstore pharmacy also offer the service.

Ahmed Saleem is the owner of Southview pharmacy. He said at a cost of $40.00, rapid test results come back after 15 minutes from the time the test was taken.

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” It’s similar to a pregnancy test. So you just put the sample and it will show up. If it is one line it is the standard which is negative or if there is two lines it is a positive,” Saleem said.

So far Saleem has not had any positive rapid test results. But he said rapid tests aren’t as accurate as PCR tests.

At his pharmacy, there is no need to book an appointment. But he said that might not be the case at other pharmacies, so it is best to call ahead.

Since the newest public health restrictions came into effect, Saleem said his pharmacy has been busy with people wanting either a vaccine or a PCR test. The demand has been so high Saleem has had to open his pharmacy early this week to ensure students could get their rapid tests or vaccinations before the start of school.

Saleem said his pharmacy is well stocked with rapid tests. But for the greatest protection, he recommends vaccination.