BC will start making free rapid tests available at pharmacies for people aged 70+ starting this Friday, Feb. 25, as the province scales up their rapid test distribution plan.
This first instalment of publicly available rapid tests is being reserved for older people to make sure one of the most vulnerable populations get priority access, but PHO Dr. Bonnie Henry says she expects they’ll be available for all ages once supply ramps up over the next month.
People will be asked to show their BC Services Card or personal health number at the pharmacy to get a free box of 5 rapid tests; the limit is 1 box per person each month. A friend or relative can also pick up these tests on someone’s behalf by presenting their ID and sharing their name and date of birth. There is no information yet about whether rapid tests will be made available to those who don’t have provincial ID.
This week, students and staff at K-12 schools will also start having access to take-home rapid tests, to be prioritized for those who are symptomatic. As of Feb. 22, the health ministry says they’ve distributed 2.7M rapid tests to schools across the province.
Post-secondary institutions have also been given 1.8M to date. In an email to students, staff, and faculty, UVic announced that starting today, each employee and student can pick up a box of five rapid test kits.
Vaccine and treatment options
Henry also announced Wednesday that the Novavax vaccine will be available within the next week, which primarily helps those who had an adverse reaction to their first dose of mRNA vaccine, as this uses a different technology.
Limited quantities of Paxlovid, a recently approved anti-viral COVID-19 treatment course that can be taken at home, are now available in BC for people who are deemed clinically extremely vulnerable; over 60, not fully vaccinated, and have chronic conditions; and over 60, not fully vaccinated and are Indigenous.
Another treatment option is Sotrovimab, an infusion which requires a visit to a clinic or hospital. To qualify either or both treatments, people have to go through an online self-assessment process and eventually talk to a physician. These treatments need to be started within five days of symptom onset in order to be effective.
Moving to a long-term strategy
The province is moving to a “Sustainable COVID management strategy,” Henry said, now that most restrictions have been lifted and the trajectory for COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continues to trend downwards.
Decisions on when to lift the remaining orders—like mask mandates and the vaccine card program—will be made based on continued whole genome sequencing and monitoring of wastewater surveillance data.