A lack of pharmacies and healthcare facilities in the Blaine and Birch Bay area offering antigen tests could become an inconvenience to cross-border travelers hoping to take advantage of Canada’s new rule changes. However, at least one clinic in Birch Bay is offering antigen tests for $49.
The Canadian government started accepting proof of negative antigen tests from fully vaccinated travelers entering the country February 28. Tests must be administered by a healthcare clinic, laboratory or telehealth within 24 hours of travel. At-home tests are not accepted.
Canadian officials had cited declining Covid-19 transmission rates after the omicron variant peaked earlier this winter as reason for allowing another Covid-19 test option. They also have the option to show proof of a negative PCR test, as long as it’s taken within 72 hours of travel. Travelers must still use the ArriveCAN app to enter Canada.
M.D. Spa and Wellness Center is offering $49 antigen tests for cross-border travelers in the Sandcastle Resort at 7854 Birch Bay Drive. The medical director and nurses will administer the test with results available within 15 minutes, said Russell Dawe, president and director of business development.
People should call M.D. Spa and Wellness Center at 360/474-3535 to book an appointment. Typically, a one-day notice has been sufficient for scheduling a test, Dawe said, adding the center could test four people every hour. The center is well-stocked with thousands of rapid tests and meets all of the requirements for crossing the border, Dawe said. The Birch Bay center has been offering PCR tests for cross-border travel since early in the
pandemic.
The spa will offer free antigen tests to cross-border travelers using its cosmetic and medical services, which include Botox, massages and laser treatment, Dawe said.
Birch Bay Family Medicine, at 8097 Harborview Road, does not have the supplies to offer antigen tests, Family Care Network chief operating officer Brian Ecker wrote in an email to The Northern Light. The Birch Bay clinic submitted a large order of at-home antigen tests through the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, but has yet to hear back, Ecker said.
If the Birch Bay clinic receives at-home antigen tests, they will be free and results should be given within 15 minutes of being administered, Ecker said.
No antigen tests are currently offered at the RiteAid pharmacy in Blaine. The RiteAid at 1195 Boblett Street only offers drive-through PCR tests, and the RiteAid website says results typically take two to five days, which could miss Canada’s 72-hour mark for receiving PCR test results. Same-day appointments were available at the pharmacy as of late February.
Although not ideal for travelers wanting to stay within the Blaine and Birch Bay areas, antigen tests are available elsewhere in Whatcom County.
In Bellingham, ARCpoint Labs will test anyone wanting an antigen test at 4220 Meridian Street, suite 101A. The test is free for people with a U.S. social security number. The lab prefers people call-in at 360/922-0275 or schedule online at arcpointlabs.com/bellingham.
Ferndale Pharmacy offers $60 drive-through antigen tests at 2057 Alder Street. The pharmacy does not take insurance, and appointments can be scheduled at ferndalepharmacy.com/covid-testing. Test results should take 30 minutes.
Nooksack Valley Drug has $60 antigen tests available for travel at its pharmacy, 208 E Main Street in Everson. Testing must be scheduled online at nooksackvalleydrug.com. The pharmacy had same-day appointments as of February 28. Free tests are available to those with symptoms or who have been exposed.
Sumas Drug has $60 antigen tests that can be used for cross-border travel, at 1143 Cherry Street. Appointments are required at sumasdrug.com/covid-services. Insurance is not accepted for travel.
The Covid-19 testing site at Bellingham International Airport will only provide PCR tests. Northwest Labs, the site’s testing provider, is not planning on adding an antigen test, Whatcom County Health Department spokesperson Scarlet Tang wrote in an email to The Northern Light.
Clarification: This article has been updated to clarify that Birch Bay Family Medicine requested at-home antigen tests for patients and community members. At-home tests can not be used for cross-border travel. This information was not provided at the time of publication.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here