The line-up for rapid test kits wrapped around Upper Canada Mall as they started their second round of distribution days.
The Ministry of Health is handing out the COVID-19 tests at the mall from Dec. 29 to 31.
JoAnne Teoh and her husband were among the residents lined up there this morning. She said they arrived at 8:20 a.m. with distribution beginning at 9 a.m.
Teoh said they just guessed what time to be there and were somewhat surprised by the line.
“We didn’t think it was going to be that long. We knew that there would probably be a line-up but we didn’t suspect it would be that long,” she said. “It was probably around the whole mall by the time it did start moving.”
With those in the queue standing distanced, she said it was hard to tell how many people were actually there and they wondered at one point if they would even receive the test kits.
“We really thought that we might not even get the tests,” she said.
Fortunately for Teoh they did. She said the person handing them out told her they had 1,000 to distribute that day and she was around 800 in line.
Teoh said the system at Upper Canada was well organized and that everyone in line was respectful, however she said it’s pitiful that certain groups like seniors and health care workers are forced to line up for tests too.
She said they should be distributed at the hospital for staff there and for the general population “they probably could have more tests in more locations.”
Distribution of the rapid test kits begins at 9 a.m. daily, subject to availability. Test kits are also being handed out at Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill beginning at 9 a.m. on those same days.
