COVID-19 Update for September 30 2020 – 4:15pm
A day after announcing a deal with Abbott Diagnostics to buy 7.9 million of their ID NOW test kits, the federal government has officially approved the use of the rapid testing system.
The Abbott ID NOW system is a rapid molecular point-of-care test for COVID-19. The technology can detect the virus directly from a nasal swab, returning results between five and 13 minutes. The testing system is small and lightweight, can easily be transported to remote locations and operated with minimal training. In addition, the chemicals, or reagents, used to conduct these tests do not require special storage temperatures.
Speaking in Question Period today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government is expecting to receive the first batch of these Abbott tests “in the coming weeks.”
Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, said on Twitter that deliveries of the Abbott rapid test “are expected to begin in the coming weeks.”
Minister Anand said Tuesday that the purchase was designed to help the provinces and territories offer more testing options as some cities face hours-long lines at public health testing centres.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team