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            • About the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce banner
            • Important Updates
               
              Update: Extented Expiration Date (November 25, 2021). 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.
               
              Update: Panbio Safety Sheet (November 25, 2021). 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.
               
              Update: Christmas and New Year's Distribution. Please note we will not be distibuting Rapid Test kits on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28th, 2021. Please be sure to assess your rapid test kit requirements for the Holiday Season and place your order for pick up on one of our earlier December distribution dates.
               
              Update: New Pick Up Schedule (August 16th, 2021). Please note our new pick up times at the GFL Memorial Gardens are Tuesdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm. During ordering, you will be prompted to select a pick-up time during this timeframe.
               
               
            • Screening-Kits.png
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              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.
               
            • Self Screening Kits
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              We require confirmation that the Designated Screening Supervisor has viewed the above video in its 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.
               
              Contact Algoma Public Health’s (APH) “Healthy Workplaces Team” by calling 705-942-4646 ext. 3273 or 1-866-892-0172, or via email at healthyworkplaces@algomapublichealth.com, and provide them with the following information: 1) the name of the Designated Screening Supervisor and phone number, 2) type of Antigen test that will be used (We are currently providing SSM businesses with the PANBIO™ COVID-19 Ag RAPID TEST), and 3) If there is already have a plan in place for reporting to APH. Please review Algoma Public Health's guidelines on Anitgen testing 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-east, lower corner of the building). Please note our new pick up time are Tuesdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
               
              When you arrive to pick up your order, please pull up to the curb in front of the door. Please ensure that you are wearing a mask and please do not exit your vehicle. Volunteers will confirm the order for your business and bring the kits to your vehicle.  When picking up your testing kits, you will be provided with a hazardous waste collection bag. 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
               
              Note: 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
               
               
              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.
               
               
               
              Partners
               
                                  
               
               
                                            
               
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              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.
               
              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.