Ontario Will Allow People With COVID-19 Symptoms to Get Tested at Shoppers Drug Mart and Other Pharmacies | The Canadian News

The Ontario government is looking to expand its pharmacy testing for COVID-19 to include symptomatic individuals, states a memo obtained by Global News from a Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist.

Currently, only people showing no symptoms can enter pharmacies like the Shoppers Drug Mart to take a COVID-19 PCR test.

“The Ministry of Health is expanding COVID-19 diagnostic testing options for Ontarians to ensure that anyone who needs a test can get it and get their results as quickly as possible,” the memo reads.

“The Ministry of Health will soon announce changes to the pharmacy COVID-19 PCR testing program for asymptomatic individuals to allow testing of symptomatic individuals and high-risk contacts.”

A government source confirmed to Global News that changes that will allow for symptomatic COVID-19 testing in pharmacies, who want to participate, will occur across the province.

In the memo, Shoppers Drug Mart said they are working to implement the necessary infrastructure to perform symptomatic testing, such as full PPE for the personnel performing the tests, as well as spacing, increased disinfection and a HEPA air purifier.

The tests will be carried out in a private space within the pharmacies, the memo says.

The memo stated that anyone with symptoms who wants a test will need to book an appointment online. They will be asked to wear a mask at all times and to leave the pharmacy immediately after the test.

Walk-ins will not be allowed for anyone with symptoms.

The memo also indicates that the 138 Shoppers Drug Mart stores, which are already part of the asymptomatic testing, will be part of the first phase of the symptomatic testing “as they already have many of the processes and requirements set up to accommodate the collection of samples from PCR “. A tentative start date of Thursday, November 17, is indicated.

The pharmacist who shared the memo, and is not authorized to speak publicly, told Global News in an email that the change is “inappropriate and dangerous” because it allows people with symptoms to enter a pharmacy where there are elderly people, people with medical conditions and young children who cannot wear masks.

Pharmacies will also be able to serve as drop-off points for home testing, if they wish to participate in the program.

In an unrelated press conference Tuesday afternoon, Prime Minister Doug Ford commented that the change in testing is due to Ontario’s high vaccination rates, masking policy and established protocols.

“We have learned a lot in the last 20 months, so we are going to be very cautious,” Ford said. “I have faith [the pharmacies] he will do a good job. “

Toronto Mayor John Tory also commented Tuesday on the new test expansion.

“These are all concerns,” Tory said. “One hopes that if this is going to happen, appropriate precautions are taken to ensure that those who may be more vulnerable are not placed in the same place as those who may be getting tested and who may be carrying the virus. . “

“Common sense and responsibility on the part of corporate people and on behalf of citizens, and I believe we can make this all work,” Tory said.

– With files from The Canadian Press

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