Where to Buy Rapid COVID Tests in Manitoba

Benefits of COVID-19 Rapid Tests

Here are four advantages offered by rapid antigen tests:

Easy Self-Testing

You can do rapid tests at home without visiting assessment clinics. Test kits often come bundled with instructions, and you can book telehealth appointments if you’re unable to complete them yourself.

High Availability

Rapid test kits are freely available in pharmacies and public health care facilities across Manitoba. They’re also sold through many resellers like Rapid Test & Trace Canada.

Fast and Clear Results

Rapid tests only take 15 minutes to produce results, compared to PCR tests which can take up to three days. Rapid test results are also very easy to understand – two lines for a positive result and one for a negative result.

Supports On-Location Group Testing

The speed and ease of rapid tests make them perfect for testing a large group of people. You can test dozens of people in a short time and ensure everybody isn’t infected before entering.

Are COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests Approved in Manitoba?

Rapid tests are approved by the Manitoba Government, which provides free test kits at various locations across the province. Visit the Manitoba Government website to locate test kit pickup spots near you.

Note that you’re limited to one kit of five tests per household to support equal access to rapid testing.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Health Canada recommends getting a rapid test if you experience symptoms of COVID-19. Here are some common symptoms you should know:

• Fever

• Severe coughing

• Difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle and body aches

• Headaches

• Flu-like symptoms (nose congestion, sneezing, loss of smell)

• Nausea

• Vomiting

Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list of COVID-19 symptoms. If you experience severe symptoms, call emergency services or primary health care providers immediately.

People With Higher Risk of COVID

Everybody can get COVID, but some people, like seniors and health care workers, are more susceptible to the disease. Here are some people who must be extra watchful for COVID symptoms:

• Seniors

• Workers at personal care homes

• Hospital workers

• Workers at assessment clinics

What to Do if You Tested Positive for COVID-19

Even fully vaccinated people can still catch COVID-19, but it’s no reason to worry. If you tested positive for COVID, you should:

1. Self-isolate at home and minimize personal contact with other people in the household. Most people with COVID do not need to receive care in a hospital and can recover independently at home.

2. Determine your day of exposure by recounting high-risk public gatherings or possible contact with COVID-19 cases in the past two to three days.

3. Notify every person you’ve come into contact with from the date of exposure about your COVID diagnosis, and encourage them to get tested immediately. 

4. Stay in isolation for the recommended period and only leave when you get a negative rapid test result two days in a row.

What if I Test Negative but Show Symptoms?

Per Health Canada advisory, you still need to isolate if you have symptoms but test negative. Continue to self-isolate until you’re asymptomatic for 24 hours.

If symptoms persist and you’re worried about getting a false negative on antigen tests, visit nearby health care services to get a PCR test.

Rapid Tests to Protect Businesses and Organizations

Asymptomatic COVID-19 transmission makes up nearly half of all infections, so testing and screening are essential public health measures to protect your workplace and the people in it. Regular rapid testing complements masking and handwashing to support COVID prevention in the province.

Where to Buy Rapid COVID Test in Manitoba

The general public has free access to antigen test kits at various stores, pharmacies, and libraries across the province. Use the tracker on the Manitoba Government site to search for nearby pickup spots. Call ahead before your visit to confirm rapid testing kit supplies.

If you need to buy test packages for your workplace, get them from a reseller site like Rapid Test & Trace Canada.

Buy Rapid Antigen Test Kits for Businesses and Organizations

Contact Rapid Test & Trace Canada today to get rapid test packages to protect your workplace from COVID-19, delivered right to your address.