Local pharmacies to offer asymptomatic COVID-19 testing

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 testing will soon be offered in Strathmore at Shoppers Drug Mart and Tina’s No Frills pharmacies.

The pharmacies are two of 234 locations across the province operated by Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws that will be offering the tests as of Sept. 1. About 50 sites are already offering testing, though not in Strathmore. The service is being treated as a pilot that could be extended to the rest of the country.

Provincewide testing has been offered at Alberta Health Services (AHS) assessment centres and about 75 other pharmacies (including in Calgary, Chestermere and Drumheller). Over 865,835 COVID-19 tests have been completed across the province as of Aug. 21.

Increased testing capacity will give school teachers and staff more opportunities to get tested before returning to classrooms, said Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health.

“This will provide a baseline for school re-entry and enhance access throughout the school year,” said Hinshaw, in a news release.

At participating pharmacies, testing is being offered to those not exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (e.g. fever, dry cough, etc.) and have not been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. Once available, those wanting a test should call either pharmacy to book an appointment. 

Those with symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19 must stay home and book a test with AHS online (albertahealthservices.ca) or call Health Link 811.

People are recommended to seek asymptomatic tests, especially frontline workers, and before or after participating in high-risk activities (e.g. social gatherings without physical distancing), travelling internationally or being exposed to international travellers, or spending time with high-risk individuals (those aged 65 or older with underlying health conditions), according to the province.

Testing will be performed via throat swab, rather than by nasopharyngeal (through the nose) swab. Anyone who tests positive for the virus will be contacted by AHS to discuss results, next steps, and begin contact tracing.