Rapid Antigen Screening Kit
The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative provides free rapid antigen tests for employees of small– and medium-sized businesses. The tests are distributed through the Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron in a program supported by Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Government of Ontario and Government of Canada. Businesses (including non-chamber members) with 150 employees or less are welcome to participate in this program, along with daycares, private schools and private colleges where testing is mandated. The goal of the program is to identify asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise be missed, helping to curb the spread in the workplace, at home and around the community in Goderich and area.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ORDERING
- Fill out the “Order Self Screening Kits” report.
- Once order is received and packaged you will be notified by The Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron. Please do not visit the pickup site until your time for pickup has been scheduled.
- Each company should assign a Screening Supervisor Designate , who will be the contact person.
- If you have multiple businesses, please fill out one form per business.
GUIDANCE ON PERFORMING THE RAPID ANTIGEN SCREENING
- Kits may be used on symptomatic and asymptomatic people. It is suggested tests be completed three or more times weekly.
- Data suggests the performance of RATs may not be as good at detecting Omicron compared to previous variants, but swabbing the inside of the cheek and the back of the tongue or throat, as well as the nose, increases the sensitivity of rapid tests in detecting Omicron.
The Ontario Science Advisory Table has posted video demonstrating the current recommendation on sample collection:
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test: Sample Collection for Omicron – YouTube
Note: This video begins by saying “there is no direct evidence” that performing a test with both throat and nasal swabs is better. Since the video was posted on February 7, 2022, more studies are showing this increases effectiveness. Current research shows that:
Omicron is more likely to be detected in the throat
Delta and other variants are more likely to be detected in the nasal cavity.
REPORTING YOUR RESULTS
Businesses and organizations receiving rapid tests are no longer required to report their results back to Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.
REMINDER
**For information on what to do if you test positive in a rapid antigen screening, please check here.
All pickups are by appointment only. Pick ups are in Goderich
Got a question about the workplace self screening kits? Email kits@huronchamber.ca
Use of RATs for Asymptomatic Screening
Use of RATs by Symptomatic Individuals
“One-off” Use of RATs
One-off testing (e.g. before a social gathering) by people not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and without a known exposure is generally not recommended.
However, if a rapid antigen test is used in this way, it should be completed as close to the event as possible (e.g. ideally within a few hours of the event) and know that a negative result could be a false negative.
COVID Self-Isolation Guidelines
Individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 OR tested positive on a COVID- 19 test should self-isolate immediately.
If self-isolation is complete after 5 days, the following guidelines should be followed, regardless of vaccination status or age:
- Do continue to wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings.
- Do not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness.
- Do not visit any highest-risk settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, or correctional institutions.
These guidelines should be followed for 10 days from the onset of symptoms:
Isolation Period | Population |
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5 days after the date of a positive test or symptom onset (whichever is earlier) |
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10 days after the date of a positive test or symptom onset (whichever is earlier) |
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20 days after the date of positive test or symptom onset (whichever is earlier) |
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