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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.