Researchers launch the COVID-19 rapid test pilot project at YVR

YVR President and CEO Tamara Vrooman says the tests could eventually be used more extensively to give people greater peace of mind while flying.

“With the second wave, we know that many, many people are anxious about COVID if they have to travel. We think this is another way to give them the confidence they need,” he said.

Travelers volunteering for the project will stop at the pod set up outside the WestJet Domestic Terminal check-in area.

There, two samples will be taken: one from a nasopharyngeal (nose) swab and another through an oral rinse. The results will take 20 to 30 minutes.

The study is open to British Columbia residents between the ages of 19 and 80 who have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days.

If a test comes back positive, the participant becomes unfit to fly and will need to undergo additional Health Canada-approved tests to confirm the COVID-19 diagnosis, according to WestJet.

The airline says these people will receive an information booklet with details on how to rebook or cancel their flight for free.

According to Vrooman, the project will last around three months and hopes to attract more than 1,200 participants.

Since the pandemic began, air travel has been around the world as travel restrictions came into effect and people have become troubled by physical proximity to others when flying on a plane.

Vrooman said YVR is currently operating with only 15 to 16 percent of the number of passengers it had a year ago, most of whom travel on domestic flights.

He said ensuring passenger safety will be key to helping the industry recover in the future.

Interested volunteers can register online or on site at YVR.

WestJet says volunteers should allow two hours to participate in the study, although participation should only take 75 minutes.

Calgary and Toronto airports are also running COVID-19 rapid test pilot projects but on arriving passengers.