CWCC offering COVID-19 rapid screening kits to Wellington County businesses

The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) has distributed over 5,000 rapid screening kits to businesses in the local community since this program began in late May. Throughout the time this initiative has been in place, workplace rapid screening has helped to prevent numerous COVID outbreaks throughout Ontario, including one locally, allowing businesses to remain open, serve their customers and avoid further costs associated with prolonged shutdowns. 

CWCC is pleased to be able to offer rapid screening kits to all businesses in Wellington County who employ 150 people or less. 

As the province progresses through the stages of the Government’s reopening plan, it is imperative that we all do our part to stay safe and reduce the transmission of COVID-19. As a local business, one way to help avoid regression throughout the re-opening process is to participate in the Workplace Rapid Screening Initiative.

The Workplace Rapid Screening Initiative allows workplaces to screen for asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 that might otherwise go undetected, preventing further spread of the virus. 

The latest information from Health Canada suggests that up to 1/3 of people carrying the virus are asymptomatic -- over 50 percent of known cases were transmitted by an asymptomatic carrier. When used regularly, Rapid Screening can help identify individuals who may be infectious early on. Individuals can be pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic but still be carrying the virus and may transmit it to others. This makes it incredibly important to find asymptomatic carriers in our community as we work toward returning to a more normalized life.

A COVID-19 rapid screening test can be performed anywhere (i.e. at your workplace) and does not require shipping a specimen to a lab for processing. The screening process is quick, with results being provided within 15 minutes. 

The implementation of Rapid Screening will help to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces and increase the safety of employees. The frequent screening of the asymptomatic workforce will increase the chance of early identification and prevent transmission of the virus throughout the community, while helping to keep businesses open during the pandemic. 

For more information or to order self-screening kits for your business, click here.