Antigen screening programs are now available at
select pharmacies for employers in Ontario and Alberta
TORONTO, May 7, 2021 /CNW/ - Shoppers Drug Mart Inc.
("Shoppers Drug Mart") announced today COVID-19 antigen screening
options for employers who want a quick and convenient tool to more
safely operate or reopen their businesses. Rapid antigen
tests can provide results within 15-20 minutes, giving workplaces
additional and readily accessible information to help keep their
employees safe.
Widespread rapid screening can provide employers with an early
warning system, helping to identify COVID-19 infections before they
spread. An antigen screening test can detect an active COVID-19
infection by detecting the presence of antigens – or specific
proteins on a virus's surface. Although less sensitive than PCR
testing, the antigen screening test can enhance currently available
public testing programs, providing faster and more convenient
options for employers.
"Getting through this pandemic will require a three-pronged
strategy – following public health guidelines and recommendations,
increased and frequent COVID-19 testing and screening, and
vaccinations," said Ashesh Desai,
Executive Vice President, Pharmacy and Healthcare, Shoppers Drug
Mart. "Providing convenient, accessible and affordable testing
options for employers will become increasingly important as we look
to reopen the economy while keeping employees and Canadians
safe."
Shoppers Drug Mart has two distinct programs available for
businesses depending on employers' size, need and location.
In partnership with the Government of Canada, small and medium sized employers
operating in Ontario hot spots
with close-contact workplaces can now pick up rapid antigen testing
kits at more than 40 Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies. The rapid
screening tests for this initiative are being provided
free-of-charge by the Government of Canada for qualifying businesses. Stores
will charge a small handling fee for each box of 25 tests. For more
details, visit www.federalrapidscreening.morewaystobenefit.ca.
Shoppers Drug Mart has also launched an employer-based program
that leverages an innovative online portal to support employees as
they complete self-assessments, book screening appointments and
view results. This program also provides employers with operational
dashboards and consolidated reporting to help employers monitor the
safety of their workforce. In Ontario and Alberta, screening can be done at
participating Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw pharmacy
locations. In other provinces, alternative screening options
are available. For more details visit
www.morewaystobenefit.ca/rapidscreening.
"Over the past year, businesses of all sizes have made
significant changes to how they operate in order to keep their
teams healthy, and their doors open wherever possible," said
Dan Kelly, President and CEO,
Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. "As we manage
through the third wave and challenging months ahead, rapid testing
programs will allow small businesses another important tool to
bring workers back safely and for Canadians to get back out with
confidence. It's a meaningful step to getting our economy back to
normal."
About Shoppers Drug Mart
Inc.
Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. is one of the most recognized and trusted
names in Canadian retailing. The company is the licensor of
full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers
Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Québec). With more than 1,300
Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® stores
operating in prime locations in each province and two territories,
the company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada.
The company also licenses or owns 47 medical clinic pharmacies
operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy®
(Pharmaprix Simplement Santé® in Québec), and provides
cosmetic dermatology services at two standalone The Beauty Clinic
by Shoppers™ locations. As well, the company owns and operates 43
corporate Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart™ stores and an ecommerce
site Wellwise.ca, making it the largest Canadian retailer of home
health care products and services. In addition to its retail store
network, the company owns the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers™ online
platform for the sale of medical cannabis, Shoppers Drug Mart
Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug
distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services,
and MediSystem Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and
services to long-term care facilities. Shoppers Drug Mart is an
independent operating division of Loblaw Companies Limited.
SOURCE Loblaw Companies Limited