The molecular test Canada is looking to buy — the ID NOW — can produce results from a nasal swab in as little as 13 minutes. While Canada has announced this purchase from a well-regarded U.S. firm, the test itself has not yet been approved by Health Canada for distribution. "The same rapid point-of-care test that Health Canada is now looking at has been being used by our G7 allies for months. Anand said that, beyond the Abbott deal, Canada will proactively purchase other rapid tests in bulk to supply the country. The announcement comes as Health Canada bureaucrats in charge of regulating new testing devices are defending the government's response to this point.

Source: CBC News September 29, 2020 16:42 UTC