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            • Important Updates
               
              April 12, 2022 - New distribution hours. Please note that effective April 19th, our distribution schedule will be Tuesdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm (remaining at the GFL Memorial Gardens players entrance, southwest side of the building).
               
              March 23, 2022 - Combined Throat and Nasal Swabbing. Data suggests the performance of Rapid Antigen Tests may not be as good at detecting Omicron compared to previous variants, but swabbing the inside of the cheek and the back of the tongue or throat, as well as the nose, increases the sensitivity of rapid tests in detecting Omicron. We have added the demonstration video for perfomring combined throats / nasal swabbing below.
               
              March 23, 2022 - Update: Reporting your results. As per our latest guidance from the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT) which oversees the Chamber's Rapid Antigen Test Distribution Program, businesses and organizations receiving rapid tests are no longer required to report their results back to Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.
               
              March 9, 2022 - NEW TEST KITS / Important information for ordering. Businesses ordering Rapid Antigen Test Kits through the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce will now receive test kits different than those listed on the StaySafe order portal. We will now be distributing Rapid Response BTNX Inc. tests.  It is important to note that when you place your order on the StaySafe portal, you will place an order for one or more boxes of Panbio tests which are packaged with 25 tests per box.  The SSMCOC will fulfil your order with the appropriate number of Rapid Response BTNX tests which are packaged with 5 tests per box. It is important that you watch the training video for the Rapid Response BTNX Inc. tests, as there are some differences in the way that this test is performed compared to the Panbio tests your business may have received previously.
               
               
              January 11, 2022 - Update: Changes in Testing & Reporting Positive Results Stemming from Ontario's Updated Testing Guidelines.  As a result of the new COVID-19 testing guidelines adopted by the province of Ontario, we have been provided with some new guidance from Algoma Public Health (APH), specific to testing and reporting positive Rapid Antigen Test results:
              • Businesses are no longer required to contact APH to advise them that they are taking part in a rapid testing program in their business 
              • Positive results received through Rapid Antigen Testing are NOT to be reported to APH, unless they meet specific criteria. The ONLY Rapid Antigen Test results APH is requesting at this time are for those who work, live, or volunteer in a high risk setting. High risk settings are limited to retirement homes, long term care homes, elder care lodges, hospices, home care agencies, hospitals, paramedics, and congregate living settings (e.g. shelter, group home, or correctional facility)
              • Persons who get a positive result when using a Rapid Antigen Test are advised not to seek confirmatory PCR testing at an assessment centre.  Anyone who receives a positive result from a RAT must be advised to return home and isolate away from household members immediately.
              • Should a positive result be received on a Rapid Antigen Test, persons must follow the information for themselves and provide information to their contacts that is located on the APH website https://www.algomapublichealth.com/disease-and-illness/infectious-diseases/novel-coronavirus/information-for-those-who-test-positive-for-covid-19-high-risk-contacts-and-workplaces
               
              November 25, 2021 - Update: Extended Expiration Date. As of Sept. 9, 2021, the Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (Nasal) has received authorization from Health Canada to have its shelf-life extended to 24 months (Authorization reference number 324506, Amendment Reference Number: 335165). This means that the Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (Nasal) may be used up to one year past the expiration date listed on the packaging.
               
              November 25, 2021 - Update: Panbio Safety Sheet. We have posted an updated Panbio safety sheet in the additional resources section at the bottom of the page. Please print this off and keep it with your Rapid Test file in the event that you need to reference it.
               
               
            • Screening-Kits.png
            • All Orders are for Business Commercial Use Only
               
              PLEASE NOTE: Rapid Antigen Test Kits ordered through the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce Rapid Test Program are for COMMERCIAL BUSINESS USE ONLY. Under the provincial program providing these test kits, we cannot fulfil orders placed by individual persons or orders intended for personal use.
               
              Due to high demand across the province, pick ups outside of the regional area of your primary business location cannot be accommodated. All businesses placing orders through the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce via the StaySafe portal must be located in Sault Ste. Marie / Algoma.       
            •  
              Program Outline
               
              Screening kits are provided by the Ontario Government complimentary to small- and medium-sized businesses (under 150 employees) as an additional tool to help keep workplaces in Ontario safe. Any misuse of the procedures can negatively impact the workplace. Care and attention to the proper process is essential for this tool to be effective.
               
              The latest information from Health Canada suggests that up to one-third of people carrying the virus are asymptomatic causing little or no noticeable signs, however, over 50% of known cases were transmitted by an asymptomatic carrier. This makes it incredibly important to find asymptomatic carriers in order to combat the spread and get to more normalized community life.
               
              A COVID-19 rapid screening test can be performed anywhere (e.g., on-site, at the place of employment) and does not require shipping a specimen to a lab for processing. It takes approximately 15 minutes to yield a result.
               
              Frequent screening with rapid antigen tests increases the chances of early identification of cases in asymptomatic individuals only. Recommended frequency is twice per employee, per week.
               
               
              Getting Started
               
              Designated Screening Supervisor
               
              Each company should assign a Designated Screening Supervisor, who will be the contact person. This is the person that must place orders, pick up the kits, and complete all reporting. 
               
              Training Videos
               
              The appropriate training video (based on the type and brand of test your are using) must be viewed in its entirety by the Designated Screening Supervisor and we strongly recommend that it be shared with all employees who may be taking part in the screening process.
               
            • Training Video - BTNX Inc. Tests​ (5 tests per box) 
            •  
              Training Video - Abbott PANBIO Tests (25 per box)
            •  
              Performing a Throat and Nasal Swab
               
              Data suggests the performance of RATs may not be as good at detecting Omicron compared to previous variants, but swabbing the inside of the cheek and the back of the tongue or throat, as well as the nose, increases the sensitivity of rapid tests in detecting Omicron.
               
              The Ontario Science Advisory Table has posted video demonstrating the current recommendation on sample collection. Note: This video begins by saying “there is no direct evidence” that performing a test with both throat and nasal swabs is better; however, since the video was posted on February 7, 2022, more studies are showing this increases effectiveness. Current research shows that: ​​
              - Omicron is more likely to be detected in the throat
              - Delta and other variants are more likely to be detected in the nasal cavity.
               
            •  
              We require confirmation that the Designated Screening Supervisor has viewed the appropriate video(s) in its / their entirety. Please click HERE (one time only, prior to first order).
               
              Determine the process of administering tests in your business (Centralized or De-centralized). Learn more HERE.
               
               
              Order Your Kits
               
              The SSMCOC has partnered with StaySafe™ to manage the registration, ordering, and scheduled pickups of its Rapid Antigen Screening Kits.
               
              When you first register, you will be asked to review TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Please take the time to review carefully.
               
              You will be allowed to order a two week supply based on the number of employees in your business.
               
              You will be prompted to select a pick-up time. The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the GFL Memorial Gardens to allow for pick up of the kits at the player entrance to the facility (south-west corner of the building).
               
              IMPORTANT: Please be sure to fully place your order. There are multiple steps and screens to move through before your online order is placed. Follow all confirmation prompts during the order process and be sure to click "COMPLETE ORDER" on the final screen.  When you order is placed, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and an order number.  You must be able to provide the order number during the pick up appointment (if requested) or your order my not be fulfilled..
               
              When you arrive to pick up your order, please ensure that you are wearing a mask. Please ensure that you store your test kit collection waste safely.  Collection materials should be returned for safe and proper disposal at your next scheduled test kit pickup. 
               
               
               
               
              Reporting
               
              As per the latest guidance from the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT) which oversees the Chamber's Rapid Antigen Test Distribution Program, businesses and organizations receiving rapid tests are no longer required to report their results back to Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.
               
               
              What to do if you get a positive result
               
              (Updated January 11, 2022) As a result of the new COVID-19 testing guidelines adopted by the province of Ontario, we have been provided with some new guidelines from Algoma Public Health (APH), specific to testing and reporting positive Rapid Antigen Test results:
              • Positive results received through Rapid Antigen Testing are NOT to be reported to APH, unless they meet specific criteria. The ONLY Rapid Antigen Test results APH is requesting at this time are for those who work, live, or volunteer in a high risk setting. High risk settings are limited to retirement homes, long term care homes, elder care lodges, hospices, home care agencies, hospitals, paramedics, and congregate living settings (e.g. shelter, group home, or correctional facility)
              • Persons who get a positive result when using a Rapid Antigen Test are advised not to seek confirmatory PCR testing at an assessment centre.  Anyone who receives a positive result from a RAT must be advised to return home and isolate away from household members immediately.
              • Should a positive result be received on a Rapid Antigen Test, persons must follow the information for themselves and provide information to their contacts that is located on the APH website https://www.algomapublichealth.com/disease-and-illness/infectious-diseases/novel-coronavirus/information-for-those-who-test-positive-for-covid-19-high-risk-contacts-and-workplaces

               

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              DISCLAIMER: Screening kits are an added measure but all other PPE and distancing protocols must continue to be followed regardless of screening. Businesses participating in the SSMCOC Rapid Antigen Screening Kit program must 1) report all positive test results using the reporting tool provided at the link above. Note: The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce does not receive or have access to any results reported by participating businesses.
               
              COMMUNICATIONS: Periodic updates on the Rapid Test program may be sent by e-mail. By registering to receive testing kits, you agree to receive electronic communications. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. 
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              The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce has several members that can assist your business with its PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) needs, including: face / surgical masks, face shields, sanitizer, gowns, plexiglass barriers, signage, floor decals / markers, design / fabrication of specialty items, floor / furniture layout. Click HERE for Chamber member PPE suppliers.