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WATCH: Minister of Long-Term Care joins Ford for today's announcement

Province rolls out rapid testing in long-term care homes

Update:
Today Premier Doug Ford said that new rapid tests are rolling out across the province and that these tests can deliver results in minutes, rather than days.

"Over the next few weeks, dozens of our long-term care homes will use these tests to test staff and visitors to keep our long-term care residents safe while ensuring essential caregivers can continue to visit and worry less about endangering loved ones," Ford said during today's address.

Ontario has received 98,000 IDNOW and 1.2 million Panbio tests, Minister Elliot said. The province expects another 1.5 million more Panbio tests by the year's end.

IDNOW tests will be used primarily in remote and rural communities, as well as hotspot communities.

Panbio tests will be used for screening purposes at long-term care homes, Minister Elliot explained.

Panbio tests will also be used in a broader eight-week pilot for participating employers in the private, public and non-profit sectors, prioritizing access for health care settings, essential frontline settings, and congregate settings.

Original information:
Premier Doug Ford will be joined by Christine Elliott, deputy premier and minister of health; and Merrilee Fullerton, minister of Long-Term Care for today's announcement.

The announcement is expected to begin at 1 p.m. from Toronto.

Village Media will carry the livestream once it begins, so please stay tuned.