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By Chris Brown

No need for health-care provider oversight

Province removes barrier to rapid COVID-19 testing program

Apr 26, 2021 | 11:01 AM

The provincial government is making it easier for organizations to deliver rapid COVID-19 tests.

In a release, the government says businesses and service providers will no longer need to have a health-care provider oversee their screening program.

The province says businesses will be relieved of having to find and pay for a health-care provider, which will also free up health-care capacity.

“As cases are on the rise, we know that many organizations can benefit from rapid screening programs, in order to catch cases early and break chains of transmission,” says Health Minister Tyler Shandro. “We have heard from Alberta’s business community and other organizations that hiring a health-care provider was a significant and costly barrier for many organizations. This change will allow more organizations to access rapid testing kits without compromising health and safety.”

The province will be working with Alberta Chambers of Commerce to develop a program specifically for chamber members. Details will be available soon.

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To be eligible for rapid testing kits, employers and service providers must have a screening program plan that outlines protocols for administering the tests, the use of personal protective equipment and processes for reporting results and managing individuals who screen positive.

The province says the tests are easy to administer and training can be accomplished through online resources. Additional materials will be made available on the Government of Alberta rapid testing webpage to help organizations train staff to oversee screening.

There are stringent requirements on the use of the rapid tests for asymptomatic screening that all organizations are obligated to follow. Organizations will be responsible for ensuring that anyone administering the test is adequately trained, reads the release.

Rapid testing kits have been, or are scheduled to be, deployed to help screen and test cases across Alberta, including:

• More than 90 Alberta businesses and organizations approved through the rapid testing program and 910,000 tests committed and/or shipped to date. This includes companies in critical industries such as oil and gas, transportation, meatpacking and utilities.
• 840,000 tests to long-term care and designated supportive living facilities.
• 440,000 tests to support a rapid screening pilot in schools.
• More than 50 COVID-19 assessment centres.
• About 70 hospital-based labs.
• Eight homeless shelters.