It’s a lot easier for Rimbey residents to get tested for COVID-19.
Planning to travel, and want to make sure you’re COVID-free before you hit the road? Hoping to hug your grandkids, but want to double-check that you’re only spreading love? Need a clean bill of health before starting a new job or travelling to a remote worksite?
Rimbey Value Drug Mart is now offering swab tests for asymptomatic Albertans who want to get tested for COVID-19.
“There are lots of valuable reasons to get tested, to get that peace of mind,” says William Poggemiller, pharmacist and store operator at Rimbey Value Drug Mart. “If you’re planning to visit loved-ones, returning to work and want to be sure you’re COVID-free, it’s now much easier to find out.”
Pharmacies across Alberta can now offer COVID-19 testing, but pharmacies have to register and meet provincial safety requirements.
“We’ve received the equipment, completed the training, and started testing on Aug. 17. Right now we’re offering testing on weekdays only, and by appointment,” William says.
Things to know before you go:
- Do not visit Rimbey Value Drug Mart if you have symptoms of COVID-19: “We don’t have the facilities to test symptomatic patients, so if you have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing we ask that you stay home and call 811,” William says. Take the COVID-19 Self Assessment for Albertans before visiting Rimbey Value Drug Mart for a test.
- Call ahead: Whether or not you have symptoms, William asks that you call the pharmacy before coming in for a test. “We can walk you through the pre-assessment, and answer questions about the test and what to do if you have symptoms. If you need to be referred to another testing site we can help with that too,” he says. You can reach the pharmacy at 403-843-2020.
- Results should come within a week: Rimbey Value Drug Mart will get your sample over to the lab on the same day, and you should receive results in two to seven business days.
Extended hours, curbside pickup
Rimbey Value Drug Mart is returning to regular store hours starting Aug. 31! The store will be open an extra hour on weekday evenings: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The store continues to offer delivery and curbside pickup to help meet Rimbey’s needs. “Give us a call and we’ll do our best to help however we can.”
