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B.C. expands eligibility for rapid COVID-19 tests to people over 30

VICTORIA — People in their 30s and older can now pick up packs of free COVID-19 tests at pharmacies across British Columbia.
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Two COVID-19 rapid tests that were given to a motorist are displayed at a Fraser Health drive-thru pick up site in Surrey, B.C., Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. People in their 30s and older can now pick up packs of free COVID-19 tests at pharmacies across British Columbia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

VICTORIA — People in their 30s and older can now pick up packs of free COVID-19 tests at pharmacies across British Columbia. 

The province expanded eligibility Monday for the rapid antigen tests, which are intended for future use in case of illness and should not be picked up by anyone with symptoms of an active infection. 

Eligible individuals can pick up one kit of five tests every 28 days by showing their personal health number.

If others are picking up a kit on another person's behalf, they should present the person's name, personal health number and date of birth. 

As of Monday, there were 271 people hospitalized with COVID-19, including 49 in intensive care. 

Eight more deaths have been reported over three days for a death toll in B.C. of 2,974.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 21, 2022. 

The Canadian Press