Ontario changes rules to allow testing at pharmacies

By Canadian Press

Published: September 21, 2020 at 9:17 PM

Coronavirus 2019-nCoV Sample. New Epidemic Corona Virus. Corona virus outbreaking. Corona Virus in Lab. Scientist hold tube with Test with the Virus Name Coronavirus. sputum examinationiStock.com/Diy13

The Ontario government has quietly amended regulations to allow pharmacists to administer COVID19 tests.

The Ontario government has quietly amended regulations to allow pharmacists to administer COVID-19 tests.

The change dated last Friday means a pharmacist does not have to obtain a specimen collection centre licence in order to administer the test.

Premier Doug Ford said last week the province would soon roll out pharmacy testing for those who are asymptomatic to help cut down on long lines at testing centres.

No announcement has been made but Health Minister Christine Elliot said today that pharmacies are probably an appropriate venue to test people who are not exhibiting symptoms.