Since January 5, access to rapid tests has been restricted to symptomatic individuals between age two to 49 by appointment only.
Asymptomatic individuals are no longer eligible for a rapid test kit.
Vitalité Health Network states on their website: “Use of the kits is reserved for symptomatic individuals under the age of 50 who are not part the following groups: patients and health care workers of the regional health authorities, residents and employees of long-term care facilities, correctional institutions and homeless shelters, or First Nations members.”
The province also said people under the age of 50 who are not considered to be high-risk can no longer book an appointment for PCR testing which is administered by healthcare professionals.
The change took many New Brunswickers by surprise as the week prior to the sudden change in distribution of tests, the government was asking all New Brunswickers to, “continue periodic testing with rapid point-of-care tests if they have a known exposure, even if they are asymptomatic.”
Before the holidays, multiple rapid tests were being sent home with students and the use of POCT pick-up sites were encouraged as a way to mitigate the spread of Omicron during the winter break.
Now, anyone with symptoms must access the province’s COVID-19 testing website and fill out a questionnaire.
Public Health said in the press conference: “After registering their information, [people] can book an appointment to pick up a rapid test kit at a local assessment centre. Anyone picking up rapid tests must present an email confirmation of their appointment.”
Those without a computer or internet access can call TeleCare 8-1-1 for assistance.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 testing visit: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/about-covid-19/testing-tracing.html