LAKELAND - The demand for free COVID-19 rapid test kits has been high in some areas of the province, with many running out of the kits during the first days of the program - including a number of communities in the Lakeland.
On Friday, Alberta Health Services (AHS) posted on social media, saying that "Due to very high demand, AHS sites in Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Cold Lake, Peace River, and Fairview have run out of free COVID-19 rapid test kits."
Logan Clow, a senior communications advisor with AHS confirmed Monday afternoon that as of Dec. 20, free rapid test kits were still available in St. Paul and Elk Point, but "due to very high demand, our Bonnyville and Lac La Biche AHS sites have run out of free COVID-19 rapid test kits."
AHS says more kits will be available this week.
"We thank residents for their patience and efforts to help protect their community," said Clow.
Last week, the provincial government announced the rapid test kit program for the general public. Test kits made up of five individual tests were made available at select AHS sites and select pharmacies, starting Dec. 17.
St. Paul resident Ryan Yopyk says he decided to pick up kits for his family on Friday, and the process was very easy. With two elementary-aged kids at home, one who cannot be vaccinated yet, Yopyk says he would rather be "safe than sorry" when it comes to passing on sickness.
“We don't want to be the cause of making people sick," says Yopyk. When asked if he has plans to see family over the holidays, he says he will see his mom, who has been part of his family's cohort throughout the pandemic. But, the family may also opt to visit other family members, and will use the rapid test kits as needed.
When he stopped by to grab the test kits, there were a few other people in line, and Yopyk says he's happy to see others are also doing what they can to prevent others from getting sick.
More than half a million rapid antigen test kits will initially be available for at-home use. Rapid test kits will also be made available at more schools and for vulnerable populations, according to the Government of Alberta.
Locally, a number of sites were listed on the province's website, including St. Paul Community Health Services and the St. Paul SPAN gym location, which has been used as a testing and vaccination centre since the pandemic began.
In Elk Point, the Elk Point Community Health Center is listed as a location with rapid test kits.
In Bonnyville, the Shandro Contracting Building Unit #5 is listed, along with Bonnyville Community Health Services.
The Lac La Biche COVID Testing Center is listed on the province's map, along with Lac La Biche Agricom COVID Testing Centre.
Cold Lake Community Health Services and the Cold Lake Agricultural Society are listed on the province's map as locations to access rapid test kits.
The kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and more kits are expected to arrive in Bonnyville, Lac La Biche and Cold Lake this week.
"To ensure as many Albertans have access as possible, there is a limit of one box of tests within a 14-day period per person," reads information from the province.
Tests are a benefit for those who have had a recent COVID-19 exposure, and information on how to use the test is included with the kit.
"Albertans who screen positive on a rapid test or who have COVID-19 symptoms should book a confirmatory PCR test through Alberta Health Services and must isolate for 10 days or until they receive a negative PCR test result."
The rapid test kits provided for free through the rapid testing programs cannot be used for the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP), which requires privately paid test results, and they also cannot be used for travel.
