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.
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