With more people getting back on airplanes every day, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has introduced another way for travellers to feel comfortable travelling.
The airport has launched a new voluntary YLW Employee Testing Program, which will provide free and confidential access to COVID-19 antigen testing for asymptomatic employees.
“As air travel continues to recover and we are seeing more passengers come through YLW each day, this program will help ensure employees have a safe workplace and increase the confidence of the travelling public,” explained Sam Samaddar, airport director.
According to YLW, rapid antigen detection testing is a “safe and trusted” way to detect specific proteins on the surface of the COVID-19 virus with lab-confirmed test results available within 20 minutes.
The airport already set up a temporary modular clinic and laboratory space in March 2021 for any passengers who required a negative test prior to international travel.
While the service is now free for employees, passengers wishing to use the service can still only do so for a fee and by booking an appointment.
YLW says it has been one of Canada’s fastest recovering airports in recent months and offering antigen tests to employees is another step toward a safe and healthy recovery of air travel.
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