Albertans with no symptoms of COVID-19 will now be able to access timely testing in their community by booking asymptomatic test appointments at Shoppers Drug Mart and pharmacies in stores owned by Loblaw. 

More than 50 Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw pharmacies in Real Canadian Superstore locations are already offering asymptomatic testing, and by September 1, 2020 all 234 of the company’s pharmacies in Alberta (including pharmacies at Independent Foods, Extra Foods, City Market, and No Frills) will offer asymptomatic COVID-19 testing. 

This is in addition to provincewide testing offered via AHS assessment centres and about 75 other community pharmacies that already offer tests. Additional community pharmacies are encouraged to register voluntarily to offer asymptomatic testing. 

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health, says, “Testing is a powerful tool that helps us limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect people from infection. Expanded testing capacity will support additional testing opportunities for all Albertans, including schoolteachers and staff. This will provide a baseline for school re-entry and enhance access throughout the school year.”  

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Testing appointments for children with pre-existing medical conditions that have symptoms like COVID-19, such as allergies, must also be booked through AHS.