TORONTO, May 17, 2021 /CNW/ - Beginning today,
Shoppers Drug Mart Inc is making quick and convenient COVID-19
screening accessible to asymptomatic customers in Alberta and Ontario. Rapid antigen tests
are available in all Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw pharmacies in
the two provinces, providing results typically within 15-20
minutes.
Asymptomatic testing is limited to those not exhibiting COVID-19
symptoms and who have not been in contact with a COVID-19
patient.
"To get through this pandemic, we all need to follow public
health guidelines, get vaccinated, and continue testing and
screening in order to stop the spread of COVID-19," said
Ashesh Desai, Executive Vice
President, Pharmacy and Healthcare, Shoppers Drug Mart. "As
Ontario and Alberta begin their recovery from this third
wave of COVID-19, rapid screening options can provide customers
with an extra level of confidence."
Rapid antigen screening 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 often more convenient
options for customers. Additionally, asymptomatic testing
complements current public health testing, which often requires
symptoms or close contact to test.
Tests are priced at $40 each, and
will be processed immediately in the pharmacy, with a record of the
test and results provided to the customer after their visit.
Customers in participating regions are encouraged to call their
local store directly to book an appointment for screening.
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