B.C. discourages COVID-19 testing for people without symptoms as cases surge
There was a steady flow of traffic at the handful of COVID-19 testing sites in Greater Victoria on Monday, but nothing like the massive lineups for PCR testing on the Lower Mainland, where vehicles snaked down the block at testing sites, as folks queued up for a COVID test.
The Ministry of Health acknowledged there were large lineups at some locations in B.C., issuing a statement Monday afternoon, noting, "We are seeing an increased number of people getting tested and are aware there may be longer than anticipated wait times at some COVID-19 testing sites, including in the Lower Mainland.”
Because of those lineups, the statement went on to ask people not to book PCR tests unless they showed symptoms of COVID-19.
"Those who do not have symptoms are strongly advised not to access testing services to allow frontline providers to prioritize care to those who are most likely to be infected," the statement continues.
"Before visiting a test site, we advise all residents to complete B.C.’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to ensure they require a test."
On Vancouver Island, where lineups for the PCR test were considerably smaller, many said they still wanted to see rapid tests – that could be completed at home – made available.
It’s a perspective reflected in the results of a recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute that shows 46 per cent of Canadians think their provincial government has done a poor job or very poor job of providing rapid antigen tests where they’re needed.
Shachi Kurl with Angus Reid says many Canadians would like to feel as though they have access to as many layers of protection as possible – especially as the Omicron variant ramps up.
"While there is an understanding that rapid antigen tests are not perfect, they’re not foolproof, they certainly – in some cases – may provide that much more peace of mind," said Kurl on Monday.
In B.C., where take-home kits of the rapid tests haven’t been made as readily available as in other provinces like Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia, the percentage of those dissatisfied with the provincial government’s efforts on rapid tests is slightly higher – 48 per cent – than the overall national figure.
British Columbia is expected to announce its rapid test plan at a press conference Tuesday. It's also expected to announce new measures in the fight against COVID at 1:30 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca