Public Health has made a change to how rapid test kits are distributed, and the change has been made somewhat quietly.
Both the websites for the provincial health department and Horizon Health now say that registration is required before picking up a rapid or POCT (point of care test) kit, and that only people with symptoms will have access to the supply of tests.
The new policy is being enforced today, though it was not announced in the province’s daily news release issued on Tuesday afternoon, and in a tweet today at 11:43am, Horizon Health announced that the policy would begin on Thursday.
“Starting tomorrow, you must have #COVID19 symptoms and an appointment to pick up point-of-care test (POCT) kits at one of our hub or mobile locations. This will be in effect until further notice,” reads the tweet. The network also provided the link where people can register for appointments.
But it appears the policy is kicking in a day early in Port Elgin, where the Horizon rapid test distribution van was scheduled to hand out test kits.
At least one CHMA listener who visited the Port Elgin weekly distribution site on Shemogue Road was turned away and told that an appointment was required.
The Horizon website now reads:
“You must have COVID-19 symptoms and an appointment to pick up point-of-care test (POCT) kits at one of our hub or mobile locations. This will be in effect until further notice.
To book an appointment, visit https://bit.ly/3FWAnck and follow instructions.”
Horizon is also asking people using the tests to register any positive results. The form to do so is now live, as promised last week by Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. Current reported case numbers in the province only reflect PCR lab tested positive cases, and so are considered lower than the actual case count due to the lack of available testing. On Tuesday, the province further limited access to PCR testing to those who are pregnant, immunocompromised, working in hospitals or residential institutions, or over 50 years old and with symptoms.
Horizon’s website says the registration of any positive test results will help them “understand the level of circulating illness”, and “may also be used for your personal health record.”
Horizon is also encouraging people to only use their supply of rapid tests when symptomatic, and to share their supply with those who need them.