Banff 
Alberta is expanding rapid testing program in the face of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron.
The province is providing free testing kits to all Albertans starting December 17th.
Currently, more than 500,000 rapid antigen test kits will be available for at-home use. Rapid test kits will also be made available at more schools and for vulnerable populations.
Albertans can pick up a free BTNX rapid test kit from 700 select pharmacies in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer, and 140 select Alberta Health Services sites in other communities. The province says more locations will be added as more kits become available from Health Canada.
The kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a limit of one box of tests within a 14-day period per person. Albertans can pick up one additional box for another person who cannot pick one up themselves provided they have each individual’s health care number.
Each BTNX rapid test kit contains five rapid tests and an information sheet with details on how and when to use the test. According to the press release, an individual should use two tests each week, 72 hours apart for maximum benefit.
The province says these tests are intended for at-home personal use for regular screening in asymptomatic people. Albertans who screen positive on a rapid test or who have COVID-19 symptoms should book a confirmatory PCR test through Alberta Health Services and must isolate for 10 days or until they receive a negative PCR test result.
In-home rapid tests will also be made available to foster families and kinship caregivers with school-aged children.
Albertans who are looking for tests for their workplace are encouraged to access tests through their employers’ rapid test programs. If an employer does not provide tests, Albertans must provide documentation from privately paid tests.
The rapid test kits provided for free through Alberta’s rapid testing programs cannot be used for the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP), which requires privately paid test results.
The province says the rapid test kits cannot be used for domestic or international travel as they do not include appropriate documentation.
In addition, starting today, the government is expanding the vaccine booster dose eligibility to all Albertans aged 50 and older and all health-care workers who had their second dose six months ago or longer can book a third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to increase their protection against the virus.
Alberta has announced modest changes to social gathering restrictions for the holiday season. Indoor social gatherings will remain limited to 10 people for Albertans aged 18 and over, with no limits on those under 18 and on the number of households.
How to test
- Each kit contains 5 rapid tests because it takes time for your body to develop enough protein to be detectable by a rapid test after being exposed to COVID-19. Repeated screening can help detect infection as soon as possible.
- Perform rapid tests twice per week, 72 hours apart, for 2 weeks as long as you are asymptomatic (For example: Sunday and Wednesday or Monday and Thursday).
- The fifth test in the pack is a spare in case you get an invalid test result. (More Details)
Where to Get At-home rapid test kits
Starting Dec. 17, Albertans can pick up a free BTNX rapid test kit from 700 select pharmacies in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer, and 140 select Alberta Health Services sites in other communities.
Find the location, by visiting the Rapid testing at home Website page.
Map of pharmacies with COVID vaccine and take home test availability
