Rapid tests for COVID-19 will soon be reserved for vulnerable people
From May 15, rapid self-tests to detect COVID-19 will only be accessible to vulnerable people and to those who benefit from free medication under the public drug insurance plan. This was clarified by the Ministry of Health and Human Services, adding that the distribution of tests will be extended until March 2024.
Immunosuppressed people, people aged 60 and over Plus, pregnant women and adults living with a chronic illness will be eligible for free COVID-19 screening tests beyond May 15. However, the rest of the population will be able to have access to boxes of rapid tests in vaccination and screening centres.
This decision was taken based on the favorable evolution of the situation related to COVID -19 in the last few months. According to data from the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ), 40,142 cases were confirmed between January 1 and March 21, 2023. Of the lot, 438 deaths were attributed to COVID-19.
More than 131 million tests have been distributed by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) since September 2021.
