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Province Expanding Access to Free Rapid Tests

Wednesday, 9 February 2022 11:54

By Linda Morgan

Photo Credit: Christine Elliott Twitter

Forty-four million free rapid tests to be made available to the public in the coming weeks.

It'll soon be easier to get your hands on a free rapid COVID-19 test. 

During a press briefing today, Health Minister Christine Elliott announced that the province is expanding access to free rapid at-home testing kits for the general public. 

For each of the next eight weeks, five million rapid tests will be distributed through pharmacy and grocery locations across Ontario, as well as 500,000 each week through community partners in vulnerable communities. 

"As we continue to carefully ease public health measures, rapid tests are providing another layer of protection and offer the public an additional tool to confidently do the things they love, like visiting family or dining at their favourite local restaurant," said Elliott. "In addition to the millions of rapid tests deployed each week to support priority settings, including hospitals, long-term care homes and schools, working with our retail and community partners we are increasing access to at-home rapid tests."

Starting today, over 2,300 participating grocery stores and pharmacy locations will provide free rapid tests while supplies last, with a limit of one box of five tests per household per visit. 

Participating retailers will receive supply from the province each week, and will have the power to decide how tests are distributed whether it be through appointment bookings, at checkout or through online orders. 

A list of participating retailers can be found here.

In order to assist those facing barriers such as language, income and transportation, agencies working through the High Priority Communities Strategy will distribute tests through partnerships with local community centres, community health centres, places of worship and food banks. 

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