The Omicron variant is spreading at a rapid pace and Strathmore is not exempt from it. With 151 active cases of COVID-19 in town limits, there is a chance you may have come into contact with someone who has it.  

This is why rapid tests are so influential in assessing the risk of transmission. With the new variant, oftentimes, people are asymptomatic and spread COVID-19 unknowingly.  

But there seems to be a shortage of rapid tests in town, which has people doubting if their sniffles are the virus or just an average cold.  

Strathmore Value Drug Mart Pharmacist, Gord Morck, explained that they are facing a shortage of rapid tests. 

"We don't have any tests right now. We had gotten a call from the health unit. They have been designated to distribute all the rapid tests in Strathmore, and at one point they were having trouble with it. So, they asked us to help. We got a couple hundred of them from the health unit and they were gone within a couple of hours, we haven't gotten any more.” 

Morck explained that he doesn’t know when they will be getting any more tests.  

When asked how people are supposed to get tested, he responded, “Right now, I honestly don’t know the answer to that. I wish I had more information but we are kind of in the dark.” 

Having access to rapid tests is only one part of protecting yourself from transmitting the virus. The Alberta Government also recommends getting a booster shot 6 months after your 2nd dose of vaccine.  

“We have a very good supply of Moderna. Pfizer is in short supply; we are running low on that one. We placed an order but Lord knows what we will get or when.” 

This is frustrating for the long-time Strathmore pharmacist. “I wish we could get vaccines on a regular basis and get what people want and what people need but we are doing our best.”  

Morck encourages all to give the pharmacy a call before coming in to see which vaccine they have in stock.

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