The Rules On Using A Rapid Test Got Changed Up By Ontario's Science Table & Here's Why
Good luck to anyone with a gag reflex.
If you have ever taken an at-home rapid antigen test before, then you're probably aware of how uncomfortable it is swabbing that long, skinny Q-tip up your nose. The whole rapid testing experience may get a whole lot worse depending on who you ask because, well, the nostrils aren't enough.
Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table published a science brief on February 10, where it added more steps on how to properly use at-home rapid antigen tests.
In order to more reliably figure out if you're positive with COVID-19, the science table said you should swab both of your cheeks, then the back of your tongue or throat, and then end it off by swabbing both of your nostrils.
Before, Ontario Health instructed test-takers just to swab both of your nostrils five to ten times.
According to the brief, rapid tests using only a nasal swab aren't as effective with the Omicron variant compared to the Delta variant. Especially, within the first one to two days after infection.
A single negative rapid antigen test will, also, no longer be enough to rule out if you're sick or not either. So, you may want to re-think using just one rapid test as a way to tell if you're good to go to your friend's party.
Anyone using a rapid antigen test when they are asymptomatic will need to use them more regularly in order for it to be effective. For example, this means close contacts to someone who tested positive will need to take a test every day.
Free rapid antigen tests are now available at participating grocery stores and pharmacies across Ontario.