Ontario introduces free rapid tests at grocery, pharmacy locations

To further support the province’s cautious easing of public health measures, after conversations between Ontario, RCC, and our grocery members, the Ontario government is expanding access to free rapid testing kits to the general public for at-home use. Ontario will be distributing 5 million rapid tests each week for 8 weeks through pharmacy and grocery locations across the province, as well as 500,000 each week through community partners in vulnerable communities. In total, the province is making 44 million rapid tests available to the public for free over the coming weeks.

“By providing free access to rapid test kits, the Ontario Government, in partnership with grocery and pharmacy retailers, is reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. In addition to getting a third booster shot, community testing acts as powerful way to reduce the spread of contagion, by diagnosing early and isolating. Today’s support by grocery and pharmacy retailers in delivering test kits to communities show us all how, working together, we can support the safe reopening of Ontario.” – RCC President and CEO, Diane J. Brisebois.