Long line forms outside Saskatoon location offering COVID-19 rapid test kits
A long line of people could be seen outside the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Tuesday morning, waiting to pick up rapid COVID-19 test kits.
"There was lots of interest for the rapid tests starting right at 8:30," Chamber CEO Jason Aebig told CTV News.
"We had an all hands on deck approach here this morning to distribution."
Chambers of commerce were among the locations the Saskatchewan government announced would be distribution points for rapid test kits. The kits are offered free of charge.
Fire halls are also among the locations that are offering the kits. However, the Saskatoon Fire Department opted out of the distribution program due to its COVID-19 protocols.
While the tests are not as accurate as those which use the PCR method, they can serve as a first line of defence for people wanting to have an idea of their COVID-19 status.
Results obtained through the self-administered tests can not be used as proof of a negative result under the province's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Aebig said the Saskatoon chamber aims to hand out the tests between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
"We're told we will be restocked regularly. We're not sure what that looks like just yet," Aebig said.
Aebig said the chamber ran out of all 3,300 of their tests on Tuesday and doesn’t know when they’ll get more.
Tests were also handed out at Warman City Hall – with their supply of 3,500 tests, they are down by about 800 so far.
Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk said he is glad they can help distribute the tests and give a sense of relief to some.
Warman dad Garett Mathiason has two kids, age two and six and wanted to get the tests for his family’s peace of mind.
“My six-year-old has a pediatric heart condition so he’s medically vulnerable as well, so testing is important for us to keep our family safe and others in the community safe as well,” Mathiason said.
Mathiason says this is the second box he’s picked up, planning to have the whole family take the test on Sundays so that they feel confident heading into the new week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.