New Brunswick mulls future of COVID-19 rapid tests

New Brunswick is studying "next steps" for its COVID-19 rapid point of care testing program.

Department of Health spokesperson Sean Hatchard made the comments in response to questions from CBC News about how much longer the province will continue to offer free rapid test kits and whether it's considering phasing them out.

"Demand for rapid tests has been steadily declining since last fall, and the province is currently determining its next steps with regards to the COVID-19 tests," he said in an emailed statement.

Hatchard did not provide any numbers or respond to questions about what other factors the province will weigh in that decision.

New Brunswick has an "adequate" supply of the tests, which people can use at home to screen for the virus within 15 minutes, said Hatchard. He did not say how many, nor did he say whether the province plans to order any more.

He did say rapid tests in the province's inventory are currently set to expire in September, and do not have a shelf life extension past the expiry date printed on the box.

"For tests that expire in its warehouses, New Brunswick has a process to ensure safe, economically and environmentally responsible destruction," he said.

People with rapid tests at home should monitor the expiry date on the packaging, Hatchard advised. Expired tests can be safely discarded in household waste, he said.

"It's important to note that not everyone needs to be tested," said Hatchard. "For the general public, anyone feeling unwell should stay at home while sick and until symptoms improve."

Public Health recommends rapid tests for people who are at higher risk of severe illness and who would consider treatment, as well as those who work in vulnerable settings, according to the province's COVID-19 website.

Asked how those people will know they're positive if free rapid tests are no longer offered, and how people will know how to time their COVID-19 vaccine six months after their last dose or infection if they aren't able to rapid test, Hatchard said polymerase chain reaction (PCR) lab tests are available, with referral from a physician or nurse practitioner, for people who are eligible for Paxlovid treatment.

Paxlovid is used for people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of progressing to serious illness, such as older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to a medical condition or treatment. To be effective, it must be taken within five days of developing symptoms.

Rapid tests are still available for pick up at sites across the province's seven health zones, such as libraries, municipalities and regional health authorities' facilities, said Hatchard.

While most pick-up sites require an appointment, several sites may offer tests without an appointment time, depending on their staffing levels and hours of operation, he said.