Rapid Testing for Workplaces

This program is for organizations seeking a rapid antigen symptomatic testing program for their workplace.

Last updated: February 16, 2023

If you received a rapid antigen test to use at home, follow the link below.

Point-of-care (POC) test kits are now available to support select testing initiatives in British Columbia.

Point-of-care (POC) test kits are devices that can be used to rapidly test for COVID-19 infections.

POC tests are portable, rapid and provide results at the point of testing usually within 15 to 30 minutes. However, they are generally less accurate at detecting COVID-19 infection than standard PCR-based testing.

How to access rapid POC tests

Note about expiry dates: A number of rapid antigen tests have had their expiry dates extended with Health Canada approval, after additional quality testing of the components of the test kits.

All expiration dates have been extended from the expiration date you see on the rapid test kit components for the BD Veritor and Abbott Panbio (nasal and NP) tests that are in use in B.C.

Pharmacy rapid test distribution

Small and medium organizations (10 to 199 employees) can access rapid COVID-19 tests from pharmacies for workplace testing initiatives.

How to register and get kits

Register your organization online through the Health Canada registration.
Review the Guidelines and requirements for at-home COVID-19 antigen rapid tests.
Review the list of participating pharmacies for pick-up location.

Test kits are provided for free by the Government of Canada; pharmacies may charge up to $14 per kit for handling and training fees.

Canadian Red Cross program

The Canadian Red Cross is providing free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests and KN95 masks to eligible non-profits and charities with workers and clients based in British Columbia through their Stop the Spread and Stay Safe program. This program is being provided in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Visit the Canadian Red Cross for more information and to apply.

Applications to the Stop the Spread and Stay Safe at Home stream are no longer being accepted. The application deadline was February 10, 2023.

Provincial Health Services Authority program for workplaces

Businesses that would like to access rapid antigen tests for employees, contractors and volunteers can follow the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) program process to apply.

Organizations interested in Rapid COVID-19 POC tests can email RapidPOCTeam@phsa.ca for an intake assessment. Organizations will be required to accept the Terms and Conditions required in order to access rapid antigen tests.

Test kits can be given to employees, contractors and volunteers to use at-home when they develop symptoms.
Review the current BC COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing Program Guidelines and Requirements before applying.

Priority will be given to industries and organizations whose settings or activities are associated with an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 or outbreaks due to high-contact between workers including: