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covid-19 rapid tests

covid-19 quebec

The Most Common BA.2 & Omicron Symptoms In Quebec Aren't The Ones You Might Expect

COVID-19 in Quebec is seeing a surge of cases with both the main strain of Omicron and its subvariant BA.2 gaining traction. On April 13, Quebec Director of Public Health, Dr. Luc Boileau, gave an update regarding the current epidemiological situation throughout the province, detailing common COVID-19 symptoms of which to be aware.

While respiratory symptoms, fever, and loss of taste and smell have long been indicated as symptoms to look out for, Dr. Boileau has stated that these are no longer the most common symptoms with the newest variants.

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Canada's Border Measures Have Changed — Here's What You Need To Know

On February 15, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued a news release announcing a number of changes to the current border measures. The federal government said it is beginning to enter a phase of adjusting travel restrictions, which will allow Canada to move toward a "more sustainable approach to long-term management of COVID-19."

As of February 28, on-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travellers will be eased. According to the news release, "Travellers arriving to Canada from any country, who qualify as fully vaccinated, will be randomly selected for arrival testing."

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covid-19 quebec

A New Quebec COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool Helps You Navigate Isolation Rules

Are you still confused over certain COVID-19 isolation rules? Well, Quebec just made things easier. The Minister of Health Christian Dubé announced a brand new online self-assessment tool that clarifies isolation instructions according to different COVID-19 situations.

According to a recent Quebec press release the online tool provides "recommendation on the instructions to follow depending on whether the person has symptoms compatible with COVID-19 or has been in contact with a case that has been declared positive."

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covid-19 quebec

Here's When You Should Actually Use Rapid Tests, According to Santé Québec

Have you been having a hard time trying to procure a rapid test in Quebec? You're not alone! Luckily it seems as if there is a glimmer of hope as the distribution of rapid tests is set to pick up province-wide.

Now, as PCR tests are reserved for priority groups, at home rapid tests have become the norm and Santé Québec is clarifying exactly when to use the testing kit for a more accurate diagnosis.

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covid-19 quebec

Quebec's Frustrating Rapid Test Shortage Could End Soon With 70 Million In The Pipeline

If finding a rapid test in Quebec has felt like unsuccessfully digging for gold lately, it may soon be easier to get your hands on a (figuratively) shimmering swab kit. On Thursday, Quebec's Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) announced that it had partnered with a private company to supply the province with 70 million COVID-19 rapid tests over the next few months.

According to a press release issued on Thursday, the province has reached an agreement with MedSup Medical, a Quebec-based manufacturer, distributor and importer of medical equipment. However, it says "the execution of the contract is conditional on obtaining Health Canada approvals."

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covid-19 quebec

More Rapid Tests Are Coming To Quebec Pharmacies Next Week

If, like most Quebecers, you've been struggling to get your hands on free COVID-19 rapid tests, you may want to try again next week. According to the professional association of pharmacist-pharmacy owners, drugstores across the province will be getting more in stock the week of January 10.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Association québécoise des pharmaciens propriétaires (AQPP) says it "has learned that new rapid self-tests for COVID-19 will soon be available to the Quebec population."

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covid-19 montreal

Free Rapid COVID-19 Tests Are Coming To Almost 2,000 Quebec Pharmacies

Our nostrils are tingling. The government confirmed Tuesday that Quebecers will be able to claim free rapid COVID-19 tests at one of more than 1,900 pharmacies across the province.

Daniel Paré, the government official responsible for pandemic management, made the announcement. He said the rollout of the tests would begin on Monday, December 20 and that they'll be widely available "in the coming weeks" if all goes according to plan.

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covid-19 montreal

Quebecers May Get Self COVID-19 Tests To Take Home Before Christmas, Dubé Says

Quebecers could be getting a special Christmas gift from the government this year: COVID-19 self-tests to take at home. In a press conference on Friday, Health Minister Christian Dubé said he has asked the federal government for 10-million self-tests that he hopes to dish out to families across the province for the holidays.

But he said whether or not the rapid test kits, which come in packs of five, can be doled out to Quebecers in time depends — like vaccines — on federal supply.

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