Screening kits are provided by the Ontario Government complimentary to small- and medium-sized businesses (under 150 employees) as an additional tool to help keep workplaces in Ontario safe. Any misuse of the procedures can negatively impact the workplace. Care and attention to the proper process is essential for this tool to be effective.
The latest information from Health Canada suggests that up to one-third of people carrying the virus are asymptomatic causing little or no noticeable signs, however, over 50% of known cases were transmitted by an asymptomatic carrier. This makes it incredibly important to find asymptomatic carriers in order to combat the spread and get to more normalized community life.
A COVID-19 rapid screening test can be performed anywhere (e.g., on-site, at the place of employment) and does not require shipping a specimen to a lab for processing. It takes approximately 15 minutes to yield a result.
Frequent screening with rapid antigen tests increases the chances of early identification of cases in asymptomatic individuals only. Recommended frequency is twice per employee, per week.
Training Videos
The appropriate training video (based on the type and brand of test you are using) must be viewed in its entirety by the Designated Screening Supervisor and we strongly recommend that it be shared with all employees who may be taking part in the screening process.
January 11, 2022 - Update: Changes in Testing & Reporting Positive Results Stemming from Ontario's Updated Testing Guidelines. As a result of the new COVID-19 testing guidelines adopted by the province of Ontario, we have been provided with some new guidance from Lambton Public Health specific to testing and reporting positive Rapid Antigen Test results:
