COVID Rapid Testing FAQ - updated Oct 1, 2021

Rapid testing program Updated Oct. 1, 2021 When will rapid testing be available for students and employees?

Rapid testing will be available for students and employees starting on Monday, Oct. 4.

Where do you access rapid testing?

Rapid testing will be conducted by Western Institute of Emergency Education, a nationally accredited testing organization.

Vermilion campus: Off-campus testing at Western Institute of Emergency Education 103-5208 46th Ave. Monday and Thursday from 7am to noon.

When a statutory holiday is on one of these days, testing will be available the next day Lloydminster campus: On-campus testing at the Lloydminster campus. To protect anonymity, the testing location will be shared when you book your appointment.

Monday and Thursday from 7am to noon.

When a statutory holiday is on one of these days, testing will be available the next day Do I have to book an appointment for a rapid test?

Yes, you do.

Tests are conducted by appointment. There is a link to a booking form in the email you were sent.

If you have any issues with the link or can’t find it, you may email covid@emergencyed.ca or phone 780-787-9461.

What if I don’t go for a rapid test when I’m required to?

Lakeland will follow up with students who don’t follow through with required testing. Western Institute of Emergency Education has blocked Monday and Thursday mornings for testing for Lakeland students and employees. If you miss these times, you may email covid@emergencyed.ca to schedule another time for a test. There's no guarantee that testing will be available. If you are at the Lloydminster campus, you will have to travel to Vermilion for testing or find another approved provider in Lloydminster to conduct a test (at your expense) before coming to campus.

Do I need identification?

Yes, you must bring your Lakeland student identification card with you to your appointment. If you are an employee, bring a business card and your photo I.d. If you do not have a business card, Lakeland’s HR department will provide proof of employment.

What’s involved with a rapid test?

A booked appointment will take less than a minute for the test and about 10 minutes for the result.

If you show up without an appointment, you may not get a test completed.

Please note: Do not come for a test if you are symptomatic (for example, you have a fever, cough, tiredness, headache, sore throat or loss of taste or smell). If you have any of these symptoms, stay home and call 811. If you arrive with these symptoms, you’ll be told to go home.

How much does it cost?

Lakeland will pay for rapid tests for staff and students up until Oct. 12. After that date, tests are offered to students at a cost of $5 per test. The cost for employees will be $20 per test. The fee is payable at the time of testing.

What do I do with the test result?

If your test is negative, there is nothing else you need to do.

What if my rapid test is positive?

A positive result on a rapid test of an asymptomatic person is not diagnostic for COVID-19. This is a screen and must be confirmed. You must arrange a further test at an Alberta Health Services or Saskatchewan Health Authority assessment centre, for verification through the public health testing system. Please self-isolate and call 811 for assistance and further instructions.

Can I use a rapid test from home?

No, you can’t. According to the Government of Alberta, a self-test completed offsite or selfproduced documentation of a negative test result is not valid.

Valid test results should be a written or printed copy that clearly outlines the type of test, time of sample collection, clear indication of a negative result, and laboratory that completed the test, if applicable.

How often should I be tested?

Tests expire every 72 hours on the hour so make sure you book your rapid tests Mondays and Thursdays to ensure continuity of work and/or class.

I have my first dose of vaccine. Do I need to get a rapid test to come to campus?

Until Nov. 1, people with one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine are allowed to come on campus without completing a rapid test.

I previously tested positive for COVID-19 but have completed my isolation period. Am I still required to complete rapid testing?

Yes, you are. We understand that false positives may occur with the rapid test screen. You will be asked to self-isolate and arrange an additional test.

Do all students and employees have to get a rapid test completed before coming to campus?

No. If you submitted proof of having received at least one dose (two doses after November 1) of an approved COVID-19 vaccine or proof of a medical exemption you don’t need a rapid test.