Free COVID-19 rapid test kits for retailers

UPDATE: For Ontario, RCC encourages members to see Ontario’s new free Rapid Testing application page. For Distribution Centres seeking rapid test kits, select “Essential Industries” initially. For Retail settings, select “Other”, and indicate that “Yes”, you can currently be open (note: even non-essential retail are still deemed open for curbside).

RCC hosted Iain Klugman, CEO of Communitech on our Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in our Member Town Hall Briefings where he shared how retail businesses can get free COVID-19 rapid test kits. These free kits are available to any retailer in Canada.

National retailers (e.g. stores in more than one province or territory) can apply for free test kits, by completing an Interest Form (excel template available in English/French). Send the completed form to: hc.screening.kits-trousse.depistage.sc@canada.ca.

All other organizations can contact their respective provinces through this link which allows access to Provincial and territorial resources for COVID-19.

Following your submission, Health Canada will review the information, request any clarifications and place a fulfilment order with Public Services and Procurement Canada. Test kits are expected to arrive within 3 to 5 business days from the fulfillment order date.

On a go forward basis, as part of the free rapid testing program, you’ll need to complete and share a Data Reporting sheet (excel template available in English/French).

For Ontario, free test kits are particularly useful. Unlike other provinces that require a medical professional to administer the test, Ontario’s antigen screening guidance allows for employees to self-administer tests. This means that the test kits are free and that the testing/processing can be done using existing personnel.

Rapid screening implementation resources: