B.C. university launches COVID-19 rapid test pilot project for asymptomatic students
Students living on campus at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby and some varsity athletes will now be able to take part in a COVID-19 rapid test pilot project.
Students who are not experiencing symptoms of the virus can book appointments online to get tested, and are being encouraged to get screened twice a week.
The university said the groups being invited were selected based on a number of factors, including recommendations from the BC Centre for Disease Control to prioritize testing for people living in congregate housing, and a decision to include athletes from certain teams who may be at higher risk. SFU added even those with a first vaccination may still carry the virus, and could benefit from screening.
The test itself involves a nasal swab administered by a health-care professional, which is not as deep as the swab taken during the standard diagnostic test for COVID-19. Rapid test results are typically available in about 15 minutes. If anyone tests positive, a diagnostic test will be performed on site and sent away for analysis.
SFU said the pilot project will help determine the feasibility of a wider screening approach if needed in the future, and provide “an extra layer of protection” for the more than 420 students living on campus, or taking part in sports with a higher risk of contact. The project is running until July 30.
Earlier this year, the University of British Columbia also conducted a pilot project involving rapid testing, which ended up identifying 25 positive COVID-19 cases out of just over 1,000 asymptomatic students tested. The university is now in the midst of a clinical trial looking at the feasibility of self-administered rapid tests, which is running until Aug. 20.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Oh my God, you're my brother': Man in his 70s discovers 6 unknown siblings
After receiving a DNA kit one Christmas from his son-in-law, Hugh McCormick soon discovered that he had six unknown siblings, with whom he shared the same birth parents.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Rates of cancer declining in Canada, but more work needed to save lives: projections
A new study projecting declining rates of cancer cases and deaths in Canada demonstrates the success of prevention and early detection programs, but also highlights areas where more work is needed to save and prolong lives, researchers say.
DEVELOPING Trump trial arrives at a pivotal moment: Star witness Michael Cohen is poised to take the stand
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
India's mammoth election is more than halfway done as millions begin voting in fourth round
Millions of Indians across 96 constituencies began casting their ballots on Monday as the country's gigantic, six-week-long election edges past its halfway mark. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third straight term with an eye on winning a supermajority in Parliament.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.