Here's where to find a free rapid COVID-19 test in Simcoe Muskoka
Free COVID-19 rapid test kits are available at select stores across Simcoe Muskoka following an announcement by the province to expand access to support the easing of public measures.
The Ontario government said it would make about 5.5 million test kits available each week at select pharmacies and grocery stores across the province.
"As we move forward to post-COVID life, having rapid tests locally available will give many people peace of mind and encourage them to continue doing what they love, like supporting their favourite local restaurant," said Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin.
WHERE TO FIND A FREE RAPID TEST KIT
Several locations across Simcoe Muskoka will offer the free rapid tests.
The home kits will be available through in-store pickup or online orders, with a limit of one kit, which includes five tests, per household per visit.
A complete list of pharmacies and stores offering the tests is available here.
USING A COVID-19 RAPID TEST KIT
At-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits can be used to determine if symptoms are related to COVID-19.
Positive test results do not need to be reported to the health unit or followed up with a PCR test.
At the onset of symptoms, individuals must isolate for five days if fully vaccinated and 10 days if unvaccinated. Isolation can end after the required five or 10 days if symptoms are improved for at least 24 hours.
All household members must also isolate for the same number of days.
According to public health, a negative rapid antigen test doesn't rule out COVID-19.
If an individual tests negative with a home kit but has COVID-19 symptoms, they need to self-isolate and be tested again in 24 to 48 hours.
Individuals can return to work or school when symptoms improve after two negative rapid tests.
Complete information on isolation requirements and rapid testing is available on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors concerned about potential spread of bird flu in Canada
H5N1 or avian flu has been detected at dozens of US dairy farms and Canadian experts are urging surveillance on our side of the border too.
There's a limit to how much interest rates in Canada and U.S. can diverge: Macklem
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canadian interest rates don't have to match U.S. or global rates, but there is a limit to how much they can diverge.
TD Bank hit with $9.2M penalty after failing to report suspicious transactions
Canada's financial intelligence agency says it has levied a $9.2-million penalty against The Toronto-Dominion Bank for non-compliance with money laundering and terrorist financing measures as the bank also faces compliance investigations in the U.S.
Prince William and Kate release photo of daughter Charlotte to mark ninth birthday
Prince William and his wife Kate released a picture of their daughter Charlotte to mark the princess's ninth birthday on Thursday.
This Canadian restaurant just lowered its prices. Here's how it did it
A Canadian restaurant lowered its prices this week, and though news of price tags dropping rather than climbing sounds unusual, the business strategy in this case is not, according to experts in the field.
Should I invest with a human or a robot? Traditional firms vs. robo-advisors
Investors considering where to park their money have a choice: go with a traditional financial adviser or trust in an algorithm. Here are the pros and cons of both.
Five human skeletons, missing hands and feet, found outside house of Nazi leader Hermann Goring
Archeologists have unearthed the skeletons of five people, missing their hands and feet, at a former Nazi military base in Poland.
Imagine living in a 4-foot body that doesn't develop chronic diseases
Nathaly Paola Castro Torres has a rare disorder called Laron syndrome that is caused by a genetic mutation. It stunts her growth but also provides a hidden silver lining: Her body is protected from chronic diseases such as cancer that often take life away long before old age.
Concerns about Plexiglas prompt inspections at some Loblaws locations in Ottawa
Inspections are underway at more than one Loblaws location in Ottawa after complaints were filed about tall Plexiglas barriers.