Shoppers Drug Mart makes rapid COVID-19 screening available for customers in Ontario and Alberta

May 17, 2021. Toronto, ON.  Beginning today, Shoppers Drug Mart Inc is making quick and convenient COVID-19 screening accessible to asymptomatic customers in Alberta and Ontario.  Rapid antigen tests are available in all Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw pharmacies in the two provinces, providing results typically within 15-20 minutes.

Asymptomatic testing is limited to those not exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms and who have not been in contact with a COVID-19 patient.

“To get through this pandemic, we all need to follow public health guidelines, get vaccinated, and continue testing and screening in order to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Ashesh Desai, Executive Vice President, Pharmacy and Healthcare, Shoppers Drug Mart. “As Ontario and Alberta begin their recovery from this third wave of COVID-19, rapid screening options can provide customers with an extra level of confidence."

Rapid antigen screening can detect an active COVID-19 infection by detecting the presence of antigens – or specific proteins on a virus’s surface. Although less sensitive than PCR testing, the antigen screening test can enhance currently available public testing programs, providing faster and often more convenient options for customers. Additionally, asymptomatic testing complements current public health testing, which often requires symptoms or close contact to test.

Tests are priced at $40 each, and will be processed immediately in the pharmacy, with a record of the test and results provided to the customer after their visit. Customers in participating regions are encouraged to call their local store directly to book an appointment for screening.

About Shoppers Drug Mart Inc.

Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Québec). With more than 1,300 Shoppers Drug Mart^® and Pharmaprix^® stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. The company also licenses or owns 47 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy^® (Pharmaprix Simplement Santé^® in Québec), and provides cosmetic dermatology services at two standalone The Beauty Clinic by Shoppers^TM locations. As well, the company owns and operates 43 corporate Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart^TM stores and an ecommerce site Wellwise.ca, making it the largest Canadian retailer of home health care products and services. In addition to its retail store network, the company owns the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers^TM online platform for the sale of medical cannabis, Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services, and MediSystem Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities. Shoppers Drug Mart is an independent operating division of Loblaw Companies Limited.