Yahoo Movies 'Sounds like we’re monetizing a pandemic': Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaw faces backlash for selling $40 rapid COVID-19 tests in Ontario, Alberta
People in Alberta and Ontario can now buy a $40 COVID-19 rapid test from Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw pharmacies, which provides results between 15 and 20 minutes.
Anyone who does not have any COVID-19 symptoms and has not been in contact with a positive COVID-19 case in the past 14 days is eligible for the test.
"To get through this pandemic, we all need to follow public health guidelines, get vaccinated, and continue testing and screening in order to stop the spread of COVID-19," a statement from Ashesh Desai, executive vice president, pharmacy and healthcare, Shoppers Drug Mart, reads. "As Ontario and Alberta begin their recovery from this third wave of COVID-19, rapid screening options can provide customers with an extra level of confidence."
Loblaw has stated that the test were purchased directly from the manufacturer.
After the announcement was made on Monday, several people took to social media to criticize the business under George Weston Limited for "monetizing the pandemic."
You can now buy a #COVID19 rapid swab for $40 at Shoppers Drug Mart in Ontario.
Why Shoppers specifically? You can only purchase it if asymptomatic? Could these tests not be used elsewhere, like workplaces? Who will access these?
Sounds like we’re monetizing a pandemic.— Gaibrie Stephen (@SGaibrie) May 17, 2021
This is what happens when government procured tests are stalled in deployment. The tests get commercialized and profit margins are realized at the expense of perpetuating inequity https://t.co/owqHkoP35g
— Victor Leung (@VicLeungIDdoc) May 17, 2021
I'd be curious to know what the retail markup is on those $40.00 rapid tests Loblaws/Shoppers is selling.
You know, since Doug's throwing the book at pandemic price gougers and all.— Barney Panofsky's Best Intentions (@mynamesnotgordy) May 18, 2021
Shoppers has been allowed to purchase and resell at a profit a valuable asset that sat on shelves for months when making it broadly (hell, even freely) available could have controlled major outbreaks. There's a hell of a lot to see here. https://t.co/BQ5YBNTAl5
— Joshua Hind (@joshuahind) May 18, 2021
Why are we monetizing a pandemic? Buying a covid rapid test at shoppers? Do we not think these should be at every work place- schools, restaurants camps? This is a GLOBAL PANDEMIC. @fordnation #onpoli
— Sarah Langford (@keepsinging2day) May 18, 2021
rollout). I support rapid tests but for EVERYONE. @ShopprsDrugMart could you go ahead and stop making #Pharmacy look so bad. Thanks. 3/3 https://t.co/CQ5PZDyLYO
— Kristen Watt - Pharmacist Mama - she/her #BLM (@PharmacistMama) May 17, 2021
My child's school certainly does not have rapid testing nor could it afford it if it had to go out and buy it.
And by anyone, I'm guessing you mean those that can afford it. Because at $40 a test from shoppers, this isn't exactly equitable healthcare.— london 🇨🇦/🇵🇹 (@boylondon402) May 17, 2021
Excited to see rapid COVID19 tests finally hitting the shelves in Ontario
$40 per test is far too expensive for regular testing. They are <$5 in Germany, and free in some countries
Most needed in hardest hit areas with the least resources.
https://t.co/1bw4flTTl3— David Juncker (@DavidJuncker) May 18, 2021
In the U.S. rapid antigen tests are available for purchase, with the prices varying across state, ranging from around $20 into even hundreds of dollars.
On April 9, the U.K. government announced that anyone in England can take a free rapid COVID-19 test, rapid lateral flow tests (LFDs), twice a week.
"Around 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 show no symptoms, and as we reopen society and resume parts of life we have all dearly missed, regular rapid testing is going to be fundamental in helping us quickly spot positive cases and squash any outbreaks," a statement from the country's Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, reads.
