British Columbia launched its rapid-testing pilot in early December at five long-term care homes in Vancouver.

Seniors' advocate Isobel Mackenzie has repeatedly called on the government to consider the idea.

More than 3.8 million rapid tests for COVID-19 are now in the hands of provincial health authorities but many jurisdictions are still evaluating how the devices might help battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Anand says the first shipment of 100,000 tests is now in hand.

This brings the total number of active cases to 15, and the overall number of confirmed cases to 125.

Canada has signed a deal to buy up to 7.9 million rapid coronavirus tests, pending approval from health officials, Public Services and Procurement Minister Anita Anand said on Tuesday.

Serological tests -- also known as blood tests or antibody tests -- are currently being approved by Canada, said Shahab, and could be available in the next few weeks.