Another option for travellers to get rapid COVID-19 tests before flying out of YLW

Photo: Cindy White

Another company is expanding the options for COVID-19 travel testing in the Central Okanagan.

LifeLabs offers both outbound and inbound testing services at a new location in Glenmore.

The company is working with Shoppers Drug Mart to open additional testing locations across BC and has recently started offering the service at the Shoppers Drug Mart at 100-1972 Kane Rd.

This makes three sites in Kelowna including one at Capri Centre and one right on-site at the airport.

“I suspect as time goes on and the border opens that we’ll see more and more clinics becoming available for testing for the travelling public,” said Phillip Elchitz, senior manager of airport operations at YLW.

He adds, having more options gives people the choice of where they want to get tested. “It also ensures people can get tested close to where they live. The PCR test, for example, takes up to 48 hours, so some people might not want to travel to the airport to get that test."

“For the antigen test, which is a 20-minute test, it's much more convenient for the travelling public to get that test at the airport on their day of travel.” It’s offered through Whitecap RSC Medical, by appointment only.

Traffic has picked up considerably at YLW and Elchitz reminds people to arrive at least 90 minutes before their flight.

“There are some bottlenecks at the facility right now, and it’s really important people get here with enough time.”

He said the backups tend to be the worst between 9 a.m. and Noon when there are several flights outbound around the same time. On long weekends, you can expect the waits to be even longer.