Since last August, the US has been using a selection of rapid COVID tests that can be done in a doctors office, pharmacy, etc...  The tests provide very accurate results in approx. 15 minutes.  The cost, well the BINAXNow test from Abbott Labs has a cost of $5 USD.  Recently, some of these test have been approved by Health Canada.

LET'S GET USING THEM!!!!

So, here's the issue.  Right now we're afraid to open our borders for free flowing travel because of high US infection rates.  Further, if you do come back to Canada from anywhere, you need to quarantine at home for 14 days.  

There are massive economic impacts to this current policy that has had devastating effects on businesses, travel, tourism and border area local economies.  The other impact is time away from work.  If you do have to make a journey, you need to tack on 14 more days off, which can be costly to the individual as well as their employer.

Rather, we can have a very inexpensive and effective test done upon entry to determine infection right away.  Here are some thoughts about this you may want to consider:

1) This can be optional - if you want to quarantine, no problem

2) If you take the test, both the person and the health authorities know right away if you are positive or negative.  That's much better than sitting at home and waiting for symptoms, or worse, being asymptomatic, leaving quarantine and infecting others unknowingly.  Knowing is better!

3) Worried about the costs?  No big deal.  For less than $10 CDN, you can afford to pay for it yourself.

4) Sick employee?  Instead of shutting down the business, have each employee take the test and get a clear picture of who is or isn't infected.  

We can still have a responsible travel plan and plan for managing infections.  We just need to start using the tools that are available now.