EDITORIAL – Free rapid COVID testing should be available to all who want it

An editorial by Mel Rothenburger.

ALL THE FOCUS in yesterday’s COVID-19 announcements was on new restrictions around public gathering places but one very important aspect of the pandemic strategy remains incomplete.

The province will expand its rapid-testing program but it will take a couple of weeks to begin ramping up and there’s no indication it will be made widely available to the general public in the near future.

Currently, only those who are experiencing symptoms are eligible for testing by the local health unit. If your employer has signed up for the Safe Screen B.C. program, you can get a rapid test whether or not you have symptoms after close contact with someone who’s infected.

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Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and a retired newspaper editor. He is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.