COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Distribution
On June 12, Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) received a CMOH memo - Rapid Antigen Test Access Through Public Health Units (PHUs) - indicating the Province of Ontario has discontinued its broad distribution of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) effective June 30. Public Health Units across the province have been asked to consider community distribution through existing public health services and community partners.
HPHS will be distributing RAT kits through select Recreation and Community Centres across Hamilton. Visit www.hamilton.ca/covidtesting for up to date locations.
We anticipate outreach from the Province to health system partners in the coming months to promote RAT distribution to your respective patients and\or clients. In advance of that outreach, you can access the Provincial Antigen Screening Program onboarding platform here: Ontario Together to access the PPE Supply Portal. For those already onboarded to the program, you can continue to order directly through the PPE Supply Portal. Any questions regarding orders and\or shipment can be directed to sco.supplies@ontario.ca.
Health system partners can access RAT kits directly from HPHS as an interim strategy prior to establishing their PPE Supply Portal account. Reach out directly to covidantigentests@hamilton.ca to access our program.
It is the recommendation of Hamilton Public Health Services that those individuals considered to be at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 have access to COVID-19 tests at home, and speak with their health care provider in advance about treatment options and develop a treatment plan to avoid obstacles if they become sick.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Brendan Lew, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Brendan.Lew@hamilton.ca.
Medical Advisory: Medical Advisory COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Distribution