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 complete the training, order, pick up the kits, and complete all reporting. We will not be able to provide kits to anybody who has not completed this training. The Screening Supervisor only needs to complete the training once; it is not required to be repeated to place subsequent orders.
Training Video (one time only, prior to first order)
The following training video 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.
ReportingNote: When re-ordering You will be required to report results for 75% of your kits, prior to a refill order being arranged.On a weekly basis, you must report the number of tests administered, number of positives, and number of negative results at the StaySafe™ portal HERE. These results will be shared with Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health.png)
Businesses participating in the SSMCOC Rapid Antigen Screening Kit program who return any positive results must ALSO report positive results to Algoma Public Health IMMEDIATELY. Please refer to THIS FORM..png)
Partners
(1).png)
Additional Resources------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DISCLAIMER: These kits are not for anyone showing symptoms related to COVID-19. Employees must immediately leave the workplace and arrange a PCR test with their local Public Health Unit if they are exhibiting symptoms, or if they receive a positive test result through the Workplace Self Screening Kit. They must also work with Algoma Public Health to determine when it is safe for them to return to work. 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 who return any positive results must 1) report all positive test results using the reporting form provided at the link above, and 2) report positive results to Algoma Public Health using this form. Note: The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce does not receive or have access to any results reported by participating businesses.