(April 26, 2022) – Paul Dinn, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Health and Community Services and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, is renewing his call for free access to rapid tests to everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Recent comments in media by community advocates have made it clear the most vulnerable, those living on low-incomes, and our seniors have the greatest need and the least access to rapid test kits. People need to know when they’re positive so they can make arrangements at work and seniors need some level of assurance before welcoming visitors,” said Dinn.

“Newfoundland and Labrador is one of only three provinces which do not make rapid tests free to the general public. We know rapid tests are not a perfect measure of COVID-19, but they can reduce stress and anxiety, while providing a level of understanding about prevalence in our community. That means workers making decisions about going into their workplace to protect from further spread or seniors deciding when is safe for them to receive long-awaited visitors.”

Dinn says forcing people to pay out of pocket for a rapid test is just another way the Liberal government is making life unaffordable for people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Seniors have already had to endure price increases at the grocery store, at the pharmacy, and in their heating tank. Now they’re paying as much as $25 a box to determine whether they’re infected by COVID-19,” said Dinn.

“It’s one more cost our seniors, our vulnerable populations, and our low- and fixed-income earners cannot bare. Providing free rapid tests, as the majority of Canada is currently doing, is simply the right thing to do to help us navigate the new reality of living with COVID-19.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca