Rapid antigen testing is an additional screening method that can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep workplaces open. Organizations can test on-site and get results in about 15 minutes without shipping to a lab.
Learn about rapid antigen testing and find out if your organization is eligible to access free test kits: Get free rapid tests | COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ontario
Locally, eligible small/medium organizations can access free rapid antigen screening kits through the Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce. - Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce (oschamber.com)
For more information, this COVID-19 Guidance is intended for individuals or organizations conducting rapid antigen screening, in Ontario: COVID-19 Antigen POCT Guidance - English (gov.on.ca)
Remember:
- Rapid antigen testing is used for screening purposes only and NOT for diagnostic purposes. Rapid antigen testing should NOT be used to test for COVID-19 infection in symptomatic individuals or individuals with known close contact with a positive COVID-19 case.
- Rapid antigen testing does not replace public health measures such as vaccination, symptom screening, physical distancing, masking and hand hygiene
- In Ontario, some organizations, workplaces and communities are eligible to access free test kits through the Provincial Antigen Screening Program.
- You can hire or train people to perform testing. Training materials are available. The Ministry of Health has also provided a clinical endorsement for voluntary self-swabbing under the supervision of a trained individual.
- A positive result on a rapid antigen test is considered a preliminary or presumptive positive. Anyone who receives a positive result must:
- seek confirmation through a lab-based PCR test within 48 hours
- isolate until the results of the lab-based test are known