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            • RADID TEST KIT DISTRIBUTION ON HOLD 

              (January 11, 2022).

              Please note: the province is currently experiencing a high demand for rapid antigen tests and the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce has experienced an interruption in our inventory supply. As a result, ordering has temporarily been suspended on the StaySafeScreen.ca portal (the platform used to order kits). The StaySafeScreen.ca website can still be used to report results by those businesses that are currently testing with kits ordered previously through our program. Please continue to monitor this page and / or our social media. We will advise as soon as test kits become available. We appreciate your patience.

            • Important Updates
               
              Update: Changes in Testing & Reporting Positive Results Stemming from Ontario's Updated Testing Guidelines (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 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
               
              Update: Extended 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: 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
            •  
              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
            •  
              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.
               
               
              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). 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
               
               
               
               
              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.