What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
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Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
Those who are worried they might have been infected with HIV now have a new tool to find out if they have the virus.
In a news release Wednesday, the Saskatchewan government announced it is now providing free at-home testing kits for the virus that causes AIDS.
The kits can give results in just one minute, rather than waiting two weeks for a standard, lab-based test.
However, the results from the at-home kits are only preliminary. It’s still necessary to get a lab test to know for sure.
That being said, the government still believes the kits will do a lot of good for public health.
“When HIV is diagnosed and treated early, people can live longer and healthier lives. Knowing quickly if you have HIV also allows you to take precautions against spreading the virus to others,” the government said in the release.
Health Minister Paul Merriman sees this as an extension of lessons learned during the pandemic.
“We have seen the clear benefits of having quick and easy access to at-home testing options,” he said in the release. “Our government is proud to be able to provide this new option for anyone concerned about possible exposure to HIV.
“Beyond HIV self-testing, many options are now available to help Saskatchewan residents detect changes to their health with minimal time and effort — COVID-19 rapid tests, at-home pregnancy tests, blood sugar monitors and blood pressure cuffs.”
The testing kits became available last month. Since then, more than 70 have been distributed.
They’re available in 23 spots in 10 different communities: Saskatoon, Regina, Green Lake, La Loche, La Ronge, Nipawin, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Rosthern and Yorkton.