Quebecers Can Now Get Rapid COVID-19 Tests At Work In Certain Situations

If you work for a private company or community organization, you could now get a rapid test for COVID-19 at your Quebec workplace in the event of an outbreak, according to a press release from Quebec Minister of Health Christian Dubé.

The ministry says Quebec businesses and community organizations can start applying for rapid tests on the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) webpage. 

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Tools will be made available to businesses in order to adequately support them.

Christian Dubé

In the event of an outbreak, the statement says, companies will be able to rely on Quebec public health to deploy mobile clinics for mass screening in the workplace.

Companies can also request rapid tests in order to "build up an inventory that will allow them to initiate a screening protocol as soon as an employee shows symptoms" — in other words, to have rapid tests on hand in case they're needed.

When companies apply for rapid testing, regional public health officials will analyze the request based on specific criteria, including relevance, feasibility and the vulnerability of the workplace.

Companies that apply for rapid tests will also have to demonstrate to the MSSS that all workplace public health protocols are strictly followed. 

The MSSS clarified that its offer of rapid tests for private companies does not mean the end of mandatory remote work for Quebec office workers.

The tests are intended for workers whose presence is essential to the business's activities, the statement says. 

In total, there were 1,058 active COVID-19 outbreaks in Quebec as of February 16, with the largest percentage — 35% — originating in workplaces across the province.