Alberta businesses no longer need to hire a health-care professional to give the rapid COVID tests. With COVID-19 cases on the rise, the Alberta government is lifting the requirement that rapid testing be overseen by a health-care provider. Individuals giving the rapid tests still need appropriate training, the news release states. Health Canada supports the move, which has already been implemented in Ontario. “Eliminating the expense will make a difference for small and medium-sized businesses, This means organizations will be able to participate in the rapid testing program completely independently and without the burden of finding and paying for a health-care provider, This change will also free up health-care professional capacity at a time when it is most needed.”
said Alberta Chambers of Commerce president Ken Kobly in the news release.
“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. 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.” says Tyler Shandro, Alberta Minister of Health
