COVID rapid test studied by city

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This article was published 02/12/2020 (1769 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg first responders are now receiving rapid COVID-19 tests, as part of a study to determine how effective those tests are.

Most of the individuals tested at a city site dedicated to first responders have received both an Abbott ID NOW rapid response test and the usual, more time-consuming nasal swab since the temporary facility opened Nov. 20, said Jason Shaw, Winnipeg assistant chief of emergency management.

“The results that the person receives are based on the traditional test, but the results of the rapid test are being compared with those results to determine the accuracy of the rapid test,” Shaw said Wednesday.

He did not provide the exact number of individuals who received both tests, but noted a few were not eligible to do so for unspecified reasons.

Shaw said the first responder testing site (in the parking lot of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service training academy at 2546 McPhillips St.) completed 93 total tests during its first week of operations.

The site takes appointments to conduct COVID-19 tests for police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency communications personnel. It may also serve some health-care workers.

Shaw said there is no set end date for the use of the rapid tests at the site. Those tests rely on a nasal or throat specimen and can produce results in 15 minutes, instead of days. There is concern, however, they may be less accurate than the typical, slower tests.

Meanwhile, Shaw also warned Winnipeggers to stay off local retention ponds — no matter how much they’d like to skate or play hockey outdoors while city rinks remain closed due to the pandemic.

“Ice surfaces are thin and fragile and falling into cold ice water can be deadly… the ice on our retention ponds is never safe to be on. Ice conditions on retention ponds can change quickly and without warning, creating an extreme, hidden hazard,” he said.

Shaw said bylaw officers are visiting retention ponds to ensure the rule is followed.

Elsewhere, the city has issued another ticket for an alleged COVID-19 health order violation. Shaw said the business, Spirited Music, was issued a $5,000 ticket Dec. 1 for allegedly being open when required to be closed. 

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga