Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is ramping up delivery of rapid tests to the provinces as tests run scarce across the country and access to molecular tests is restricted.
It’s a new year, and the fight against COVID-19 continues - but I know we’ve got what it takes to get through this. I’m giving an update on the work we’re doing to support workers, families, and businesses across the country. Watch live: https://t.co/PTjXv6ehXK
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 5, 2022
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says 140 million tests will be distributed in January on a per-capita basis.
Health minister @jyduclos says there is significant progress and January 2022 is not March 2020. Feds promise provinces and territories will get 140 million more rapid tests in the month of January. That’s 4x December deliveries. pic.twitter.com/UNymrmo6qW
— Abigail Bimman (@AbigailBimman) January 5, 2022
Trudeau says that's triple the number provinces received in December.
In its last fiscal update, the government earmarked $1.7 billion to secure a supply of about 180 million rapid tests.
The prime minister also confirmed there are enough vaccine doses in Canada for everyone in the country to get their booster.
Duclos says there will be enough child-sized doses for all kids aged five to 11 this month.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 5, 2022.
