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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.