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New Brunswick mulls future of COVID-19 rapid tests, as virus kills 2, hospitalizes child under 4

New Brunswick is mulling the future of its COVID-19 rapid point-of-care testing program, as the virus claimed two more lives and hospitalized 17 people, including a child under four.

“Demand for rapid tests has been steadily declining since last fall, and the province is currently determining its next steps with regards to the COVID-19 tests,” said Department of Health spokesperson Sean Hatchard.

He made the comment in response to questions from CBC News about how much longer the province will continue to offer free rapid test kits and whether it’s considering phasing them out.

Hatchard did not provide any statistics for rapid test demand or respond to questions about what other factors the province will weigh in its decision.

New Brunswick has an “adequate” supply of the tests, which people can use at home to screen for the virus within 15 minutes, said Hatchard. He did not say how many, nor did he say whether the province plans to order any more.