Dear stakeholders,
As our understanding of the health risks associated with COVID-19 and its variants has improved, many workplaces have implemented health and safety measures to protect New Brunswickers. These workplace measures include encouraging all employees to be vaccinated, maintaining good hand hygiene, wearing masks and physically distancing when necessary, and practising enhanced sanitization of high-touch surfaces. Most recently, a point of care test (POCT) has been introduced as a COVID-19 screening device.
A COVID-19 point of care test consists of a rapid testing device that can be used to safely screen individuals for COVID-19. These tests can provide preliminary screening results within 15 minutes, allowing for rapid identification of those who may be carrying the virus. By isolating confirmed and potential carriers, transmission of the virus can be mitigated. COVID-19 point of care tests are becoming an additional tool for many workplaces looking to effectively protect their workforce.
WorkSafeNB often relies upon experts in a particular field to assess a device or a procedure and determine its fitness for use. WorkSafeNB recognizes the process undertaken by Health Canada and the New Brunswick Department of Health to determine the safe use of the Abbott Panbio Rapid Antigen POCT device.
Combined with existing public health measures, regular screening through rapid testing in your workplace can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for continuing the fight against COVID-19 and helping to keep New Brunswickers and New Brunswick’s workplaces healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Douglas Jones
WorkSafeNB President and CEO
Please see message from Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's Chief Medical Officer of Health.