Rapid tests rolling out in some B.C. school districts, province says more on the way
CTV
Rapid tests promised by the province for B.C. school staff have been arriving in some districts, while others are still waiting.
Rapid tests promised by the province for B.C. school staff have been arriving in some districts, while others are still waiting.
Last week, the government announced 200,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits were being shipped out for teachers, staff and administrators in elementary and secondary schools around the province.
On Friday, some Metro Vancouver districts confirmed they had received the tests, including Surrey, Vancouver and Burnaby. Others, such as Coquitlam, Mission and West Vancouver, said they had not arrived yet.
B.C. Teachers Federation president Teri Mooring said Friday the tests need to be repackaged at the district level before being distributed.
“I know that some education workers have begun to receive them, but I guess it depends on how quickly districts can repackage them and get them out,” she said, and added workers are anxious to get the tests.
“It’s a really disconcerting time, given – for the most part – people don’t have access to testing. There is no contact tracing happening.”
Mooring pointed out the initial shipment of 200,000 tests promised last week roughly works out to two rapid tests per worker.
