COVID-19 rapid tests are no longer available at LCBO retailers in Ontario

Key takeaways:

• As per the Ontario Govt, all COVID-19 rapid tests designated for free distribution at LCBO retailers have been distributed.
• The Ontario government’s website also confirmed that the LCBO no longer has tests to distribute.

The Ontario government claims that all COVID-19 rapid tests designated for free distribution at LCBO retailers have been distributed.

Ontario announced on Wednesday that it would use select LCBO locations as COVID-19 rapid test distribution sites in a “holiday testing blitz.” On Friday morning, 100 LCBO retailers across the province distributed the free tests to residents, with many of them queuing outside.

The LCBO, however, announced on Friday evening that their supply had run out.

Also read: Ontario has reported 3,301 new COVID-19 cases, the highest 7-day rolling average

“Our supply of COVID-19 rapid test kits has run out,” the company said on Friday night in a Tweet. “Thank you for your patience and understanding,” says the narrator.

The Ontario government’s website also confirmed that the LCBO no longer has tests to distribute.

“Select LCBO stores offered free take-home rapid test kits beginning December 17 while supplies lasted,” it said.

“At this point, all of these test kits have been distributed. Thank you to the LCBO for taking part in Ontario’s COVID-19 testing holiday pop-up program.”

“We recognize there is significant demand for rapid tests and are pleased to see so many people embrace the opportunity to add an extra layer of protection in advance of the holidays,” the Ministry of Health said when contacted for comment.

“On the other hand, Ontario has a limited supply of rapid tests, and every single test the province has received from the federal government is out the door to thousands of workplaces, hospitals, home, and community care settings, long-term care homes, schools, and child care centers, on top of the many pop-up sites across the province,” Ministry spokesperson Alexandra Hilkene told CTV News Toronto on Saturday.

The province recently learned, according to Hilkene, that “millions of tests expected to be received from the federal government have been delayed.”

“As a result, Ontario is procuring additional rapid tests directly where possible, and we continue to urge the federal government to make more rapid tests available to provinces as soon as possible,” she said.

Rapid antigen tests are still being distributed at community pop-ups and testing centers across the province. Click here to see a complete list of participating locations.

These pop-ups are first-come, first-served, and many residents have waited in long lines to get their tests.

According to the Ontario government, rapid antigen tests are best used on asymptomatic individuals to detect whether they are positive for COVID-19. 

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, it is recommended that you get a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test instead of a rapid antigen test, which can be done at provincial testing centers.

Source: CTV News

Get Canada and Ontario’s top News, Market news, and other worldwide news only on Ontario Independent