Covid tests on shelves, but demand low in Manitoba

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This article was published 07/08/2024 (413 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba government has distributed 1.1 million COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits this year, but demand for them is low.

The province confirmed Wednesday it is still distributing rapid tests to pharmacies, doctors’ offices and retail locations. However, due to low demand from the public, many locations have not ordered tests for a significant period of time.

As of July 17, Manitoba had 443,000 rapid test kits in stock.

Testing is only recommended for people who are at high risk of serious outcomes so they can receive early treatment, such as antivirals.

Manitobans can contact their health care provider if they are at high risk for severe disease to determine whether testing (PCR or rapid test) is recommended.

While rapid tests are only recommended for people who are at high risk of serious outcomes, the province said it recognizes that anyone with symptoms may wish to use a rapid test.

The province’s website includes a map of locations that have agreed to distribute rapid tests. If a location indicates it no longer wishes to distribute tests, it is removed from the map.

“At present, no locations have said that they no longer wish to distribute tests, although many locations have not ordered tests in a significant period of time,” a provincial spokesperson said. “The public is still advised to contact locations directly to ensure stock.”

Recent wastewater data showed high concentrations of the virus in south Winnipeg and the West End, while levels were moderate across the province.

“We’ve continued to see it all year round, albeit at much lower levels during the spring and summer,” Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial health officer, told a Winnipeg media outlet this week.

Roussin reminded Manitobans if they feel sick or symptomatic, it’s best to stay home. Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, sore throat and flu-like illness.

Meanwhile, an 81-year-old Winnipeg woman said she was surprised when she sought a COVID-19 booster at her local pharmacy and then her doctor’s office and neither had any available.

Faith Johnston is planning a trip to Vancouver to visit family next week and was reminded that a booster might be a good idea after reading a Free Press article last week.

The article included a quote from epidemiologist Cynthia Carr, who said that if it’s been five or six months since your last shot, you are not optimally protected.

“It’s possible there are some (boosters) out there, but it doesn’t seem to be very accessible,” Johnston said.

aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca