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Businesses to get access to rapid COVID-19 tests through local chamber of commerce

Alberta Health is partnering with the Alberta Chamber of Commerce to deliver rapid COVID-19 tests to small and medium-sized businesses across the province.
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Alberta Minister of Health Tyler Shandro announced Wednesday that Alberta Health will give rapid COVID-19 tests to a local chamber of commerce, who will then distribute them to local businesses. (Photo by Paul Taillon/Office of the Premier)

Alberta Health is partnering with the Alberta Chamber of Commerce to deliver rapid COVID-19 tests to small and medium-sized businesses across the province.

The program allows Alberta businesses to work directly with local chambers. Businesses and non-profit organizations can apply to receive the kits directly from their local chamber.

Operators and employees who do not have symptoms, and have not been identified as close contacts, can get tested at work – with results available at the testing site in under an hour.

“We are working hard to ensure we limit the spread of COVID-19 in every corner of our province, and we are not stopping until this pandemic is behind us,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health in a news release.

“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.

Rapid tests are provided for free to all successful applicants but organizations are responsible for all costs related to establishing and operating their screening programs and assume all medical and legal responsibilities associated with them.

“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,” said Ken Kobly, president and CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce.

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

Businesses will also need to report back to their local chamber weekly about the number of tests performed and how many had a positive result and how many were confirmed by PCR testing. This information will be shared with Alberta Health.