Long lines, limited stock cause issues on first day of rapid test availability in Quebec
Posted December 20, 2021 11:08 am.
Starting Monday, approximately 1,900 Quebec pharmacies will be distributing free rapid tests for COVID-19.
Quebecers are urged to call beforehand or check the pharmacy’s website, because by early Monday morning many pharmacies were already reporting being out of their limited stock.
Long lines outside of pharmacies were also observed Monday morning, with many walking away disappointed.
#New Starting Monday, approximately 1,900 pharmacies will be distributing free rapid tests for Covid. Quebecers are urged to call beforehand or check the pharmacy’s website, because by early Monday morning many were already reporting being out of stock. https://t.co/Zlm341fBfZ pic.twitter.com/ERVBdSBPPF
— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) December 20, 2021
Quebec’s Health Minister has said that tests will be available gradually, and more will be rolled out Tuesday.
Some pharmacies, including the Jean-Coutu and Brunet chains, are distributing the tests by appointment only.
Approximately 4.3 million tests are destined for pharmacies and two million for seniors’ homes.
The rapid test distribution comes as Quebec is tightening restrictions in an effort to curb the Omicron variant.
READ MORE: With high cases of COVID-19, new measures start Monday in Quebec
Restaurants and bars, gyms, theaters and cinemas are slashing their capacity by 50 percent, while karaoke and dancing are once again banned.
Elementary and high-school students are required to wear masks in class again.
Private indoor gatherings are now reduced to 10 people and rapid tests are highly recommended before any gathering.
Today is also the day when booster shots become available for those 65 years old and up.
The government has also shortened the delay for booster shot eligibility from six months to three months in an effort to get as many people the added protection needed as quickly as possible.
