The StaySafe COVID-19 Rapid Screening Pilot launched last week in the City of Stratford will be expanding to include businesses in St. Marys and Perth County.
In a release, they say early response to the announcement that the Screening Pilot was expanding to Stratford was "very positive", with 5,500 tests ordered almost immediately by local businesses.
The screening kits are part of a program managed by Waterloo Region's Communitech and available free of charge to all small-medium sized businesses to detect the virus in staff not showing any symptoms.
"Joining this program will add an additional tool to the toolbox for Perth County businesses in helping to keep their workplaces safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in all of our communities. We would like to thank all of the partners involved for working collaboratively to expand this important program," said Jim Aitcheson, Warden, County of Perth.
This program is funded by the Provincial and Federal Governments, to detect cases of COVID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise be missed, helping to keep workers and their families safe. Small & medium businesses (under 150 employees) in sectors considered essential and where employees cannot work from home or physically distance are encouraged to participate.
Orders placed before 3pm Friday will be available for pick-up in Stratford on the following Monday (at 47 Downie St.) between 1:30-4:30pm.
All interested businesses must register for the Antigen Screening Program at: https://tests.staysafescreen.ca before ordering screening kits directly.