Suspension of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Testing Program

MEMORANDUM

To: Students and Staff at K-12 Schools
From: Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Suspension of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Testing Program
Date: June 20, 2022

As we near the end of the current school year, please be advised that effective today no further rapid testing supplies will be distributed to students and staff at K-12 schools at this time.

New cases of COVID-19 are decreasing in Newfoundland and Labrador. Studies suggest that once cases decrease, there is a greater risk of false positive results. For this reason, rapid tests are less useful when the number of cases is lower in the community.

Public Health has provided all schools and child care services with a significant supply of rapid tests this year for use by students, staff and their families. Families and staff are asked to please use their remaining rapid tests appropriately. These valuable and limited resources should only be used when testing is indicated. If you are unsure of your testing requirements, please complete the online COVID-19 Assessment and Test Reporting tool at covidassessment.nlchi.nl.ca for direction.

Public Health continues to explore options for rapid test distribution, particularly in the event of a future wave of COVID-19. We will issue communications later in the summer regarding plans for rapid test distribution for the 2022-23 school year.