(File Photo/CJME)

By Lisa Schick/980 CJME

COVID testing

‘We do need to do better’: Moe admits rapid tests should’ve been sent out sooner

Feb 12, 2021 | 6:22 PM

The premier is admitting things could have been done better when it comes to rapid COVID-19 tests in the province.

Last week, the Saskatchewan Health Authority admitted it had been shipped more than 370,000 rapid tests but had only used around 7,000 of them. It was explained then that they were being used in a targeted fashion in long-term care homes.

On Thursday, Premier Scott Moe spoke to media about the issue.

“They should have been dispersed sooner and we do need to do better here in Saskatchewan. We’ve asked the Saskatchewan Health Authority to ensure that these are being dispersed to a number of priority areas in the province,” said Moe.

“In fairness, we should have had those deployed sooner than today.”

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

10h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

15h ago

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

Dec 13, 2024

Moe said the tests are now being sent to schools and correctional facilities in the province, in addition to long-term care homes. He said the health authority is also in discussions with Indigenous communities to see if they might want access to tests.

Earlier in the day Thursday, the Saskatchewan NDP’s leader and health critic called for the province to do just that, and deploy more of the rapid tests to schools and high-risk workplaces.

“This speaks to the government’s failure to deal with the second wave of COVID-19,” Mowat said. “We haven’t seen any emphasis on increasing testing or contact tracing since the vaccine rollout started.”