If you’re sick, stay home: Manitoba to end free COVID-19 tests

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Peggy

People on the hunt for free at-home COVID-19 antigen tests will find empty shelves once the federally provided supply runs out.

Boxes of rapid at-home tests have been available across the province at pharmacies, libraries, grocery stores and Liquor Marts for anyone requiring them since they first became widely available.

But Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public officer of health, says once the at-home tests run out, they won’t be restocked.

“We want people who are ill to stay home,” Roussin said.

Widespread testing was useful and important when the province was doing contact investigations and isolating people, but now at-home COVID-19 tests don’t have any benefit, he said.

A man is seen speaking into a microphone while seated at a desk. On the wall next to him is a sign that says "Manitoba." — Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief public health officer, speaks in 2023. (Travis Golby/CBC)

Those who are sick and at high risk of severe outcomes should go to their doctor for testing and the appropriate treatment plan, which shouldn’t require a home test.

“If you’re high risk, simply taking a COVID test doesn’t necessarily change management, especially if it’s negative,” Roussin said.

People who have flu-like symptoms should stay home and avoid high-risk settings like care homes even if they test negative for COVID from a home test, he said.

“Things like influenza, RSV and other viruses have a significant impact as well,” Roussin said. “We don’t want you to bring influenza to a personal care home either.”

Some pharmacies, retail outlets and libraries still have a number of rapid home tests available. Other rapid tests will be reserved for high risk settings like long term care facilities, Roussin said.

There has been an increase in cases of COVID-19 over the past six to eight weeks, but the virus is not creating the strain on the health-care system it once did, Roussin said.

“The virulence of COVID has diminished consistently over time… from when we first started seeing it,” he said. “That’s not translated into heavy burdens on the health-care system.”

Vaccines for the flu are now widely available, including high dose flu shots for people over age 65, Roussin said.

The official provincial campaign for flu and COVID-19 vaccines launches on Tuesday.

Anyone age six months or older is eligible for vaccines, and Roussin encourages people with underlying medical issues and those who are considered to be high risk to get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.