Rapid tests for COVID-19, a tool experts say is vital to fighting the pandemic, will not be sent to Canadian provinces and territories by the end of the year, and some fear it may be “too early” for such a decision.
“Rapid tests are an amazing tool. So if not these, then what? ”Asked Colin Furness, an epidemiologist for infection control and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s information department, as he spoke to Global News Friday.
“It may be too early. I say [that] maybe because I think what’s missing here is a plan. What is our plan to manage this pandemic? “
Read more: Ottawa will reduce rapid deliveries of COVID-19 tests to provinces and territories by the end of the year
Having a plan to protect vulnerable populations, such as children under the age of five who cannot yet be vaccinated, is crucial before stopping the supply of rapid tests, Furnes said.
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“One of the reasons we use rapid testing is to protect vulnerable people. “If we stop rapid testing before this group can be protected, I would call it a parody of epic proportions,” he said.
Stopping the supply of rapid tests will also allow some to believe that the COVID-19 pandemic is over when it really isn’t, according to Furness.
“If we don’t test people and find no positive cases, then there is no pandemic,” he said. “These two are working hand in hand to make a reality that is really a stark contrast to what is happening in hospitals.
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As of June 3, the newly confirmed COVID-19 cases had resulted in a total of more than 3.87 million in the country and more than 41,200 deaths.
More than 3,500 patients are currently in hospital with COVID-19 in Canada, including more than 230 people in intensive care.
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The country currently registers an average of 43 deaths per day.
Some experts also warned of possible stockpiling before the actual cessation of deliveries.
“I think it’s inevitable that there will be people trying to stockpile,” Kiro Maseh, owner of Lawlor Pharmacy in Toronto, ON, told Global News. “Closer to the date when it is inevitable, you will find that people are stockpiling.”
Read more: COVID-19 border measures remain at least until the end of June: PHAC
Furness agrees.
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“Accumulation behavior is a human instinct in times of uncertainty and fear,” Furness said.
It is impossible to predict the future of the pandemic, but Masse wants to know if the federal government has a realistic plan.
“I will ask the federal government a question, do you have a plan to provide these tests on time?” Essentially increase the availability of these tests if you need them? ”He asked.
Although Ottawa is suspending supplies, a reserve of 100 million rapid tests will be maintained. Fifty million will be earmarked for the provinces and territories, and the remaining 50 million will be held to meet “common jump requirements”, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
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However, Maseh has his doubts.
“The federal government failed to provide Canadians with rapid tests for about two years after this pandemic, and when they did, they ran out,” Maseh said.
“A repeat of what happened last December, if the question is whether 50 million tests are enough for the whole of Canada, I would personally say no.
The contents of the COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit were displayed in Calgary on January 4, 2022. CANADIAN PRESS / Jeff Mackintosh
However, not everyone agrees.
With limited funding for healthcare, Stephen Hopshan Kahn, a clinical professor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia, believes it’s time to stop delivering rapid tests.
“I think it’s time to move on and move funding priorities elsewhere, especially with this new outbreak of monkeypox,” he said.
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Canada already has 77 confirmed cases of monkeypox, 71 in Quebec, five in Ontario and one in Alberta.
The disease is transmitted from animals to humans and comes from the same family of viruses that causes smallpox, which was declared eradicated in 1980, according to the World Health Organization’s website.
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In addition to monkeypox, Hoption Cann also said that another influx of COVID-19 may be possible in the future.
“Just as we survived the pandemic, those numbers are rising and falling. There may still be another jump in the fall. The children are returning to school, the universities are busy. It’s hard to predict and we don’t know if a new version will come out. “
Rapid tests can still play a role in curbing the spread of COVID-19, but personal protective equipment such as camouflage is an important step anyone can take to stay safe, said Dr. Theresa Tam, chief executive officer. public health in Canada.
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“Rapid tests can potentially change people’s behavior if they take a positive test, although, as we all know, a negative test does not mean that you do not have one, and that these other measures would also be extremely important to continue,” she said. at a press conference on Friday.
“At this stage of the pandemic, some of the roles and responsibilities are being returned to the provincial jurisdictions.
–– with files from Aaron D’Andrea
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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