Some Chilliwack students to receive take-home COVID-19 test kits Friday

A day after Health Canada issued a safety warning about the liquid in COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits, some Chilliwack students will be coming home from school with them.

The tests are safe and effective when used as intended, but Health Canada issued a warning on Feb. 24 to “keep rapid antigen test kits and solutions out of the reach of children and pets.”

Following an increase in reports to poison control centres, Health Canada says the chemical preservatives in many test kits, if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, can be poisonous particularly for children and pets.

“Health Canada is aware of approximately 50 calls made to poison control centres in Canada related to accidental exposure, which have resulted in minor health outcomes,” according to the alert. “Health Canada is advising Canadians on a precautionary basis to help mitigate the risks associated with misuse, accidental ingestion or skin exposure.”

On Feb. 15, Health Minister Adrian Dix announced that millions of COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits would be sent to schools to be distributed to students.

READ MORE: COVID-19 rapid tests to be distributed to B.C. students, at-risk public

Parents and guardians of Chilliwack Middle School (CMS) students, and possibly others across the city, received a notification on Friday (Feb. 25) that the school has now received the kits.

“Every student at our school will receive one package that includes five test kits for your family to use,” principal Paula Gosal told parents via email.

“If your child is absent when the tests are distributed, they will be able to collect their kit upon their return.”

A later update for CMS said the school did not receive a full supply, so the kits would be distributed next week.

School District 33 also Tweeted Friday about the tests, stating that they are coming soon.

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests for students are coming soon. You will be notified by your school when tests are ready to go home. #sd33learns #HumanSocialsd33 pic.twitter.com/a5GHNMzPIX

— Chilliwack Sch.Dist. (@ChilliwackSD33) February 25, 2022

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said increasing vaccination of children as well as testing are making it likely to reduce restrictions before the end of the school year. With vaccines available for school-aged children, there are likely to be changes “sooner rather than later” to make school a more normal experience, especially for younger children.

About 55 per cent of children aged five to 11 have received a first dose, and Henry said it should be higher.

“It’s important to help get back to those normal activities,” Henry said.

As for the safety of the testing solution in the kits, Health Canada has some tips on what to do when you do get tests.

• Keep rapid antigen test kits and solutions out of the reach of children and pets;

• Do not swallow the solutions, and avoid eye and skin contact;

• Wash hands thoroughly after use;

• If spillage occurs, rinse well with water;

• Follow all instructions for proper disposal;

• Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada;

• Contact your local Poison Information and Control Centre in cases of accidental ingestion or direct skin exposure to test kit solutions.

– with files from Tom Fletcher