The rapid antigen tests are meant to support people as public health measures are eased in a “cautious and prudent” manner over the coming weeks
Ontario will provide up to 5.5 million rapid COVID-19 tests a week to be distributed at no charge through participating grocery stores, pharmacies and organizations that serve high-risk communities.
Health Minister Christine Elliott said the rapid antigen tests (RATS) are meant to support people over the next eight weeks as public health measures are eased in a “cautious and prudent” manner.
“There may be situations where people want to see a senior family member who may be very vulnerable, may be immunocompromised, may have other concerns,” Elliott said Wednesday. “And so it would be safe for the family to be tested in those situations but not just to go out and get a test because you want to go to a party.”
Officials are recommending people use the tests if they are symptomatic and, in the event of a positive result, ensure the family self-isolates.
The tests can be used before work but it is only recommended for those in the highest risk settings like frontline health-care workers.
Effective Wednesday, almost 2,400 participating grocery stores and pharmacies will begin offering a box of five tests per household.
Depending on the store, the tests may be available through pick up, online or both.
Major retailers participating in the program include Costco, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, Rexall, Longo’s and Sobeys as well as independent outfits.
Locations distributing tests to the public can be found at
Ontario.ca/covidtestinglocations
Public health officials are asking people to limit the number of tests they obtain but acknowledge there is no requirement for the stores to ensure that households don’t hoard the RATS.
The vast quantities to be made available make it less likely that people will grab as many as they can and sell them, Elliott said.
“It wouldn’t appear that there’s going to be much of a secondary market because people can obtain them quite readily,” she said.