COVID-19 Kingston: Long queue for rapid tests as cases increase

In Kingston, Ontario, there is an increase in demand for rapid tests and vaccines as the region continues to be one of the hardest-hit areas in the country under Omicron.

Health officials distributed 1,000 rapid COVID-19 antigen tests on Wednesday. It is the latest in a series from the province in a holiday testing blitz.

Health officials from Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL & A) held a vaccination clinic down the hall, in a two-pronged approach to tackle the high number of COVID-19.

Before the doors opened, the queue wrapped around the building, with residents eager to take the tests.

James Compeau said he was happy to have his test in hand.

“I am ready,” he said.

Once the doors opened, the tests flew successfully from the arms of those who distributed them.

Compeau says he plans to use the five-pack over the next few days, to allow him to reunite with his family over New Years.

“I’m going on Skype tonight with my son and we’re going to test,” he says. “And we’ll know the good news or not.”

The Omicron variant hit the region hard; KFL & A remains one of the highest locations for COVID-19 in the country, according to local public health data.

During the holidays, there were six COVID-related deaths.

In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, Suzette Taggart of KFL & A Public Health said the majority was tied to Delta.

“In the past few days, there have been six deaths from COVID-19 in the KFL & A area. Unfortunately, most of these people were affected by the Delta variant and had been hospitalized and in intensive care for some time, ”the statement said.

“Please continue to adhere to public health measures, including monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms, testing, and staying home if you are not feeling well. When you are eligible, receive your third dose to protect yourself, your family and our community. “

Public health has not officially confirmed what other variants could have been linked to the deaths, whether there were any cases directly linked to Omicron, or how many.

As of Wednesday, there were 1,786 active confirmed active cases in the region, including 239 new cases, with 16 people hospitalized and six in intensive care. That’s more hospitalizations than there are in Ottawa, despite Kingston’s smaller population.

Compeau says the high number of cases in the region is the reason he lined up before the doors opened.

“Test negative. Get the voucher, ask everyone to come over and be safe,” he says.

Despite the high number of cases, this is one of the few rapid pop-up testing clinics in the area. This left a certain sense of frustration with the approach of the province.

Standing in line, Susan Young says the area should have more tests readily available.

“We’re all working really hard to make sure we stay as safe as possible and that’s another possibility that helps us. We mask, we keep six feet apart, and we work together to make sure this pandemic doesn’t get worse. And testing is one way to support us.

“We should have additional opportunities to test ourselves to make sure we’re safe. “

Peter Burrell, who was also in line, agreed.

“I think it’s a travesty that we’re lining up for tests that have really been available for a year,” he said.

Down the hall, public health has also set up a walk-in vaccination clinic, in another effort to bring the numbers down.

Sarah André took the opportunity. She said she was happy that she didn’t have to wait another day.

“I can’t wait to see if we go back to school in January, so I wanted to get my booster and be ready and know I’m doing my part,” she told CTV News Ottawa.

As many were tested, the line moved well throughout the day, with plenty for those who wanted them, leaving residents, like Richard Waddington, relieved.

“Great. Really, really great. Long wait but it was worth it,” he said.