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Asymptomatic testing now available at Alberta pharmacies

After running a successful pilot program, Alberta Health Services has recently expanded efforts to provide coronavirus testing to asymptomatic individuals at local pharmacies.
By: Heather Marie Connors
August 07, 2020
Photo courtesy of Myriam B/Shutterstock

Any pharmacy in the province of Alberta that wishes to participate can now register to administer COVID-19 swab tests. To ensure public safety, pharmacists are required to have specialized skills and to follow strict protocols.

During the pilot project in June, over 10,000 Albertans were tested at their local pharmacy, contributing to the overall provincial testing figure of approximately 677,000 since the pandemic began.

“Alberta continues to expand its testing capacity and maintain one of the highest testing rates in the world. Strong COVID-19 testing is a key part of our relaunch strategy and will help us continue to protect Albertans from this virus in the days ahead” said Minister of Health Tyler Shandro.

The full list of participating pharmacies is available on the Alberta Blue Cross website. The Alberta government is encouraging individuals to get tested, particularly frontline workers, anyone who has travelled, and anyone who intends to spend time with individuals who are at higher risk.

Source: Daily Hive Calgary

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