250,000 COVID-19 rapid test kits going to child care providers

Government-funded child care providers in B.C. are getting thousands of rapid antigen tests.

The province has announced it’s distributing 250,000 take-home tests to be used by child care professionals with COVID-19 symptoms, with the aim of reducing transmission.

The announcement came hours before a virtual information session hosted by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

The session was scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. (Pacific time) Wednesday and will include discussion with a panel of public-health officials to help child care professionals and parents better understand the updated public-health guidance for child care.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry will be joined by Dr. Jason Wong, associate medical director, clinical prevention services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Reka Gustafson, vice-president, public health and wellness, Provincial Health Services Authority, deputy provincial health officer, Dr. Mark Lysyshyn, deputy medical health officer, Vancouver Coastal Health and Nader Massoud, child care licensing officer, Vancouver Coastal Health,

They will be answering questions that have been submitted in advance by child care providers and parents, but participants can also ask questions through Zoom's question-and-answer feature during the webinar.

If you want to take part you can use this Zoom login:

Passcode: 959521

Dial-in by phone: 1 778 907-2071

Webinar ID: 664 1755 7482

Passcode: 959521

The session will also be recorded and posted on the Province's YouTube page.

The Ministry of Health and the Office of the Provincial Health Officer where rapid antigen tests are distributed, including if additional tests will be deployed for use in child care settings.

The test kits will be delivered directly to government-funded child care facilities through BC Mail, and more details are expected in the coming days.