Montreal, December 6, 2021 – Jean Coutu and Brunet affiliated pharmacies are joining forces with Biron Health Group to provide a new in-pharmacy COVID-19 PCR testing service for travelers leaving Quebec.
Today, the service is being deployed to 10 pharmacies with a larger rollout extend to the four corners of the province in the future.
Participating pharmacies
Jean Coutu
Brunet Plus
Combining accessibility and state-of-the-art laboratory expertise
In collaboration with Biron, participating Jean Coutu and Brunet pharmacists owners will now offer travellers a convenient location to receive a PCR screening test by getting a nasal swab. The sample will be sent and analyzed at the Biron laboratory. Results will be provided within 48 hours of getting the test. It is important to note the PCR screening test remains the preferred diagnostic method for COVID-19 in Quebec and elsewhere around the world because of its level of accuracy, and this diagnostic technique is accepted for travel in most countries.*
To take a PCR test at participating pharmacies, patients will need to make an appointment in advance either online by visiting Jean Coutu or Brunet websites or by phone.
"We are pleased to partner with Jean Coutu and Brunet affiliated pharmacies so that we can contribute our expertise to the screening and control of the virus, and ultimately provide broader access to COVID-19 testing. Initiatives like this are essential to safely help people get back a sense of normalcy as we do our best to cohabit with COVID-19 which is unfortunately our reality,” said Patrick Lauzon, vice president, marketing and innovation, Biron Health Group.
"This partnership with Biron Health Group is the first step in bringing COVID-19 screening services for travellers to our networks. Providing this service is an opportunity to consolidates the travel health offer in pharmacies by adding to provide advice on medications and recommended the appropriate vaccines according to the rules of the destinated country, and in accordance to the patient's health. This initiative aligns with our goal to provide Quebec travellers a one-stop destination for their healthy travel needs," said Nathalie Plante, vice-president, pharmacy and health care for the Jean Coutu and Brunet banners.
It should be noted that a range of COVID-19 screening tests are available to everyone throughout Biron Health Group's network, including one located in the departures area of the Montreal Airport where flights depart.
*It is the traveler's responsibility to validate the screening requirements of the destination they are visiting before making an appointment.
About Jean Coutu
Founded in 1969, the Jean Coutu network is one of the most trusted names in Canadian pharmacy retailing, with more than 415 franchised stores in Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario under the banners PJC Jean Coutu, PJC Santé and PJC Santé Beauté. For more details, visit jeancoutu.com.
About Brunet
Established in 1855, Brunet’s engagement is to provide Quebecers with personalized advice and services related to their health. Brunet, which network represents around 160 franchised stores in Quebec, continues its development by continuously improving its products and services. For more details, visit brunet.ca.
About Biron Health Group
Founded in 1952, Biron is today a Québec leader in the health sector. Having first built its reputation through its medical laboratory expertise, it is recognized for the quality of its services, its exemplary execution and its speed of access. Over the years, Biron has diversified its service offering in medical imaging, sleep disorders, genetics and occupational health while maintaining the same level of excellence. Throughout its growth, Biron has remained a company with a human dimension that takes its role in the community to heart. Today, the company has close to 800 employees who operate more than 100 points of service in most regions of Québec. Its team of experts and dedicated professionals is increasing efforts every day to offer each client medical expertise through a process that is simple, fast and efficient. Biron Health Group is accredited by Accreditation Canada and holds an operating permit from the LSPQ. For more information on the company: biron.com. Follow Biron Health Group on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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Jean Coutu et Brunet
Media Relations
514 643-1009 or 1 800 463-2190
media@metro.ca
Biron Health Group
Annie Gauthier
514 777-3969
angauthier@biron.com