(Alberta Health Services)

By Justin Goulet

Alberta businesses and non-profits can now apply for rapid COVID test kits through chambers of commerce

May 12, 2021 | 10:47 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The provincial government is teaming with Alberta Chambers of Commerce to ensure small and medium-sized businesses have easy access to rapid COVID testing kits.

Alberta is now the first province in Western Canada to offer rapid antigen testing kits to all chambers of commerce to help identify pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic cases and isolate them as early as possible.

The program will allow businesses in the province to work directly with local chamber staff. Businesses and non-profits can apply to receive kits directly from their local chamber.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney stated that, “this partnership gives businesses another leg up to move our economy forward.”

“By making it easier to access rapid testing kits when and where they need them, we are providing businesses with a vital tool to protect their workers and the Albertans they serve.”

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

2h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

4h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

20h ago

Minister of Health Tyler Shandro added that the province is “working hard to ensure we limit the spread of COVID-19 in ever corner of our province, and we are not stopping until this pandemic is behind us.”

“Rapid screening enables us to catch cases early and stop them in their tracks, thereby protecting both Albertans and our health system.”

After local chambers sign an agreement, Alberta Health will provide rapid tests and a pre-approved screening plan.

The chambers will work with all businesses and not-for-profits in their communities. It’s important to note that a chamber membership is NOT required as part of this program.

President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, Ken Kobly, said “this partnership between the Government of Alberta and participating community chambers of commerce will expedite and streamline the process for Alberta businesses, in particular small and medium enterprises.”

“This will lead to more tests being administered and will hopefully contribute to stopping the spike.”

Any participating business or organization will be responsible for ensuring that anyone administering a test is adequately trained. The province has made training resources available online.

Businesses will have to report back to their local chamber every week to inform them of how many tests were performed that week and how many had a positive result, as well as how many were confirmed by PCR testing. This information will be shared with Alberta Health.

Operators and employees who receive a positive result from their rapid test will not be able to return to work and must isolate. Anyone who does receive a positive result is encouraged to book a follow-up PCR test with the Alberta Health Services online self-assessment tool.