COVID-19 testing for Indigenous Peoples
Find out how to order rapid tests for your community.
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Testing for First Nation and Inuit communities
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) works with provinces and territories to facilitate access to COVID-19 testing for individuals at high risk of severe infection in First Nation and Inuit communities.
Communities should first try to obtain rapid tests from provinces and territories or through their local Indigenous health authority. If provinces and territories are unable to meet a community's request, ISC has a small supply of rapid antigen tests that can be used for:
- testing individuals at high risk for severe COVID-19 infections
- helping prevent or manage outbreaks
Requests can be made by:
- Indigenous communities
- Indigenous health authorities
Requests will be prioritized based on need and current capacity.
How to request
If your province or territory is unable to provide rapid tests, requests can be sent to your FNIHB regional office.
Requests must include:
- a short rationale for your current need and how the tests will be used
- the primary contact's information, including email and phone number
- a delivery address for shipment
- the number of total tests (not kits) needed
Testing for individuals
To find out how to use a rapid antigen test for COVID-19 and interpret the results, consult: A guide to self-testing for COVID-19.