Get a Free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test
     Available in Manitoba Stores Only.

Province Public-funded Rapid Antigen Test Program

The Province of Manitoba is distributing free rapid antigen tests to retail outlets across the province, including Save-On-Foods stores. Asymptomatic people can pick these up to use in the future when they or a household member develop symptoms. For more details visit https://www.manitoba.ca/covid19/testing/rat.html.

How can I get my free COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit?

All residents of Manitoba can receive up to two COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits per family at their local Save-On-Foods store. Each kit comes with 5 tests. While quantities last.

In-store:
  • Visit our customer service desk to pick-up your free rapid antigen test.
Online:
  • Available with pick-up orders only.
  • Add up to two free* COVID-19 rapid antigen test to your online order and we will conveniently bring it to you with your grocery pick up order. Each kit contains 5 tests
*Minimum grocery order value of $40 (+pick up fee) required to place an online shopping order.

What's inside a rapid antigen test kit?

Each Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kit* has 5 tests:  
  • 5 packaged test devices
  • 5 extraction tubes
  • 5 nasal swabs
  • Procedure card
  • 5 buffer vials
  • 1 tube stand  
*Kit contents may vary depending on available brand

I have symptoms, should I use a Rapid Antigen Test?

Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits can be used if you have COVID-19 symptoms. For more information on symptoms of COVID-19, see https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/fundamentals/symptoms.html. For most situations, you do not need a confirmatory PCR test if your RAT result is positive. Public health recommends confirmatory PCR only for a few situations. For more information, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/testing-eligibility.html 

Positive Rapid Antigen Test Result

If your Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result is positive, you need to consider yourself as having COVID-19 and should isolate. In general, you should isolate for a minimum of 10 days from your test and until you do not have fever and your other symptoms have been improving over the past 24 hours. There are different isolation periods for people who have been vaccinated and people who have not been vaccinated. For more information, see the fact sheet(s) at https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/resources.html#factsheets 

Negative Rapid Antigen Test Result

If your Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result is negative, you may still have COVID-19. You could still be contagious, and the test is simply not picking it up. It can take some time for the amount of proteins to increase high enough to be detectable by the RAT. If you used a RAT because you have symptoms, it is recommended you repeat the test again after 24 hours to see if it is still negative. If the repeat test is negative and you have access to another RAT, it is recommended you repeat the test again after another 24 hours. Although your RATs are negative, you should continue to isolate until you do not have fever and your other symptoms have been improving over the past 24 hours. If you have been told to self-isolate (quarantine), you should also still finish your initial self-isolation (quarantine) period.  

Invalid Test

If your Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result is invalid (doesn’t match negative or positive), repeat the test.  
For more information about COVID-19