Huge lineups for free rapid COVID-19 kits in North Bay
North Bay residents are braving the cold to get their free COVID-19 rapid test kits from the Ontario Ministry of Health.
A test distribution pop-up at Nipissing University's athletics centre is being held over the next two days.
Pre-registration was required and spots were filled fast. The ministry is no longer taking registrations for this event.
"I got an email through the school, that said they were having this today. I put my name in, it was easy to sign up online and I got my time slot," Garret Gauthier told CTV News.
Each person that registered will be given one free test kit.
"You sign up online, go up and get it, worked out perfectly. I got in there, had to show my email for confirmation, picked up my kit and out you went," said Lisa O'Kane.
"I look after my parents, COVID-19 is a huge issue. I think it’s just good to be prepared all the time."
The Ontario government began handing out free tests as part of a "holiday testing blitz," with the Greater Toronto Area being prioritized.
"Given that they are not doing the nose tests to anybody who isn’t in danger or showing symptoms, we needed to do something to keep ourselves safe," said Randall Tilander.
Many critics expressed concern over the plan's rollout and lack of kits available in the north.
"Ontario currently has a limited supply of rapid antigen tests that are being prioritized for health care and highest-risk settings. This includes rapid antigen test use for 'test-to-work' in which asymptomatic staff in these sectors can return to work when they would otherwise be on isolation at home," Bill Campbell, a spokesperson for the ministry, told CTV News.
"Focusing the use of rapid antigen tests for these sectors will help keep hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes and congregate settings operating as safely as possible."
Hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes and congregate living settings are being prioritized when it comes to test availability.
Some of the people in line Tuesday were not happy about waiting in the cold.
"Why couldn’t they have a drive-thru to get my box, instead of standing here for half an hour? You won’t die from COVID, you’re going to die from pneumonia," said Fred Turner.
More test kits will be distributed Wednesday at the same spot, but the ministry is not taking any more registrations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.