If you get a kit from Statistics Canada in the mail asking for a blood sample, don't be alarmed -- the federal agency is looking to collect information about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey is seeking to learn as much as possible about the virus, how it affects overall health, how it spreads, and whether Canadians are developing antibodies against it. That means drawing a blood sample at home using a kit sent in the mail and returning it to a lab to determine the presence of COVID-19 antibodies.
A Blenheim woman, who wants to remain anonymous, expressed some concern to Blackburn News after recently receiving a blood kit at home with her 14-year-old son's name on it without any advanced notice. CK Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby is reassuring the public, though, that the kit simply involves a finger-prick blood test that "anyone can do safely". The woman added her family hasn't had any COVID-19 symptoms since the pandemic started.
Statistics Canada said the data will be used to estimate how many Canadians test positive for antibodies even if they have never had symptoms of COVID-19 and to better understand the social distancing behaviours of Canadians and their general health during the pandemic. The agency said the information will also help evaluate the extent of the health status associated with the COVID-19 pandemic such as the prevalence of infection even for people who have never had symptoms.
The survey will also explore emerging public health issues, including the impact of COVID-19 on health and social well-being. It aims to shed light on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in a diversity of communities, age brackets, populations, and occupational groups across the nation.
Data will be collected until March with the results to be released sometime in the Spring. Statistics Canada also notes that responding to this survey is voluntary.
