MEDICINE HAT, AB — The COVID-19 rapid testing program at Medicine Hat College, which offers free tests for both students and staff, will continue at least until the end of the year and possibly longer.
The college had planned to pay for the rapid tests until the end of October.
A total of 80 tests were done last week alone, and the college will continue the program until at least Dec. 31.
Registrar Sandy Henderson says it’s possible the college may decide to keep the free testing in place as long as the current COVID conditions continue.
“The main thing is we’re trying to work with students and provide access to education. That’s our mandate, that’s why we’re here, and these are certainly challenging circumstances,” Henderson said.
So far the cost to the college’s Medicine Hat campus has been $13,806 to support 354 rapid tests for students and employees between Sept. 27 and Oct. 24, according to a statement from the college.
Rapid testing numbers in Brooks are much lower, with about $400 in associated costs.
Henderson says on average anywhere from 60 to 100 tests are done per week through the program. The tests are offered through a partnership with a pair of pharmacies, although many of the tests might be offered twice to the same person per week.
