Families Minister Rochelle Squires and Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced that the provincial government will be sending COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to designated critical service workers to protect vulnerable families.

Rapid antigen tests were previously handed out to asymptomatic designated staff who had not shown proof of double-vaccination. This includes child and family service personnel, school and licensed child-care facility personnel, funded agency personnel in direct contact with vulnerable populations, and others.

"This expanded use of rapid antigen tests supplied by the province for critical service areas is intended to enhance access to testing for designated workers and allow them to return to work sooner," says Squires. "Tests will be provided for all designated staff in critical service areas who are symptomatic and work directly with clients and vulnerable populations."

  • Eligibility will now be expanded to any designated staff showing symptoms and work:
  • In early learning and child-care facilities;
  • In Community Living disABILITY Services service providers;
  • In child and family services group care providers;
  • In homeless and family violence shelters;
  • With Manitoba Families, working in front-line positions with clients;
  • As school teachers or staff with direct and ongoing or prolonged contact with kindergarten to Grade 12 students.

Unfortunately, due to lack of supply, rapid antigen tests won't be supplied to have on hand in case they become possibly infected, but will instead be sent out to staff that are already showing symptoms of COVID.

"This expansion of rapid antigen testing in schools is an additional measure we are putting in place to support ongoing, in-person learning for students across the province," says Cullen. "We all sincerely appreciate service providers’ ongoing efforts and hard work to provide quality care and services, and I want to thank all designated critical service workers for their continued commitment to caring for, supporting and protecting vulnerable Manitobans during these challenging times."

To see the full press release from the province, click here.