What is GetaKit/COVID?

We know that getting to a COVID testing assessment centre can be difficult, so GetaKit is piloting mail-out COVID self-tests to see if this helps people get tests when they need them.

We’re really excited to offer COVID self-testing, but want to make sure you know that the Ministry of Health and Ottawa Public Health recommend that anyone with severe COVID-like symptoms or who are close contacts of someone who tested positive for COVID should go to an assessment centre for in-person testing.

Mail-out COVID self-testing has many possible benefits:

• Avoid public transport and crowds to access testing
• It adds a layer of privacy, while you determine next steps
• It provides a result within 30 minutes

A few friendly reminders:

• Download this COVID-19 self-testing fact sheet
• COVID self-testing doesn’t replace in-person testing
• Even with a negative result, it is important to maintain precautions like masking and maintaining a 6-foot distance from others
• You will need to seek in-person testing at a COVID assessment centre within 48 hours of doing your COVID self-test if you have symptoms or are a close contact

What COVID-19 self-test does GetaKit/COVID use?

This pilot uses the Lucira COVID-19 self-test, which was approved by Health Canada on April 26, 2021. The Lucira ® COVID-19 Self-Test is the only self-test for COVID-19 now licensed in Canada, which can detect a positive result in as few as 11 minutes, and confirm a negative result within 30 minutes. Please note that this is considered a screening test, and any“positive” test results must still be confirmed at a COVID testing facility.

What is a COVID-19 self-test kit?

• These are test devices that can be purchased online or over-the-counter and can be used to test yourself for COVID-19 at home or elsewhere. They provide a result within about 30 minutes
• Self-test kits are not the same as self-collection kits. Self-collection kit specimens are still sent to the laboratory for confirmatory testing
• When completing the test, follow the package instructions carefully as well as guidance from Ontario’s self-testing website
• Self-test kits can provide useful information, but results may need to be confirmed with a laboratory test
• For more information on how to book a COVID-19 laboratory test, please visit Ontario’s website on COVID-19 test and testing location information