Experts say rapid antigen tests are emerging as an important tool as Canada’s pandemic strategy shifts from public health vigilance to an emphasis on personal responsibility.
Dr. Christopher Labos, a Montreal cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology, says it takes more than one rapid test to rule out infection because of high rates of false negatives. Health Canada says on its website that it has “no evidence” that variants affect the ability of agency-approved tests to confirm COVID-19 cases, but notes that these new devices are still being investigated.
In the interest of completeness, I would have appreciated a discussion of how these tests can also report positive results for Omicron for weeks after symptoms have disappeared and risks of transmission are minimal.
Every March/April there is a bump in flu and colds. This is exactually what is happening as cold/flus are labeled as Covid. This is normal and expected.