Ontarians can now get a free rapid testing kit for at-home use. Expanding access to free rapid tests to the general public will to help detect COVID‑19 earlier and stop the spread of the virus.
Rapid antigen tests are easy-to-use tests that detect certain proteins in the virus to confirm the presence of COVID‑19. Results from these tests can be available in as little as 15 minutes.
To further support Ontario’s cautious easing of public health measures, we are expanding access to free rapid testing kits to the general public for at-home use.
Where to access a free test: Starting February 9th 2022, Ontario will be distributing 5.5 million rapid antigen tests each week for eight weeks through pharmacy and grocery locations across the province, as well as through community partners in vulnerable communities. Over 2,300 participating grocery and pharmacy locations will provide tests while supplies last, with a limit of one box of five tests per household.
Participating retailers will receive additional supply each week and have the ability to determine how tests are distributed in order to best serve the community, including through appointment bookings, at checkout or through online orders. If your participating location is out of stock, please check back with them. The province intends to bring additional locations online in the coming weeks, including independent grocers and pharmacies.
You can find addresses of participating locations using this chart. Search “city” to narrow down your results.
Participating retailers may have additional information on their websites, such as how individual locations are distributing kits. This includes:
- Longo’s (available through Grocery Gateway online orders)
- Walmart (available only through advanced online orders for in-store pick-up)
- Loblaws including DRUGStore in Fortino’s and Your Independent Grocer, Real Canadian Superstore and Zehrs
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Sobeys
- The Northern Store
- Metro and Food Basics
- Rexall pharmacies
Enough is Enough about the flu.