Manitoba narrows COVID testing message, has 9.2M rapid kits in reserve

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This article was published 26/09/2023 (979 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba has more than nine million COVID-19 rapid test kits available this fall, heading into an anticipated spike in respiratory virus transmission.

However, such testing is no longer recommended for the general public. Instead, Manitoba’s top doctor has recommended rapid tests should be reserved for high-risk individuals who need to know if they’ve contracted COVID in order to seek time-sensitive antiviral treatment.

When asked Tuesday if the province has enough supply, a government spokesman stated Manitoba “currently has 9.2 million rapid antigen test kits available for fall 2023, and has the option of securing more test kits through federal channels, if required.”

The federal government provides the tests to Manitoba free of charge, including shipping, so no provincial funds are expended.

In preparation for an expected upswing in COVID-19 infections this fall, the United States government announced last week it is restarting a nationwide program to ship free rapid tests to all U.S. citizens.

In Manitoba, tests kits are going to be available for free at pharmacies, libraries, grocery stores and retailers — as they were at earlier stages of the pandemic.

The province’s website lists more than 140 locations in Winnipeg, 13 in Brandon and more than 150 elsewhere in Manitoba to pick up test kits.

Meantime, Manitoba public health messaging has narrowed.

“Rapid antigen tests and PCR testing are only recommended for people who are high risk for serious outcomes, as they need to know if they have COVID-19 to receive early treatment options, such as antivirals. However, rapid antigen test kits continue to be available at no cost at many locations across the province,” the government spokesman stated.

Winnipeg-based epidemiologist Cynthia Carr said she agrees with prioritizing resources for the highest-risk groups, but doesn’t necessarily support limiting testing, unless there’s a supply chain issue or other reasons to be cautious about distributing the kits.

“The most important thing is to make sure we get the right resources to the right population that needs them most and then go from there,” she said, encouraging the public to pay attention to their symptoms, wear face masks, wash hands and stay home if sick.

“We need that continued employer commitment and support of employees, to not feel pressured to come to work if they are sick,” Carr said, explaining any respiratory virus is easily transmissible.

“We want to keep that under control, whether it’s COVID, RSV, colds or influenza.”

Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin reiterated that message during a news conference last week.

“Stay home when you’re ill. Once your fever is gone and you’re feeling better, OK, then head out. That isn’t dependent on whether it’s COVID or not,” Roussin said Sept. 20.

Although public health officials keep a close eye on flu cases via national surveillance, individuals typically don’t get tested for the flu — and COVID-19 could soon fall into that territory.

It will be particularly important for children to get their flu shots this year, Carr said, citing Australia’s recently ended flu season that caused a disproportionate number of hospitalizations among those younger than 16.

With this fall’s vaccine rollout set to make it possible for Manitobans to get their flu shots and COVID boosters at pharmacies during the same appointment, Carr said she hopes parents don’t skip it altogether.

“Obviously, we want to make it easy, but the flu vaccine this year is particularly important for kids,” she said.

“I’m hoping that those nuances go out, and that parents don’t just make an all-or-nothing decision, because you want to get your child vaccinated for the flu for sure.”

katie.may@winnipegfreepress.com