Island Health launches COVID-19 rapid test pickup site in Victoria
People seeking a COVID-19 rapid antigen test can now pick one up from Victoria's Ogden Point, so long as they have an appointment with Island Health.
Appointments can be made by contacting Island Health's call centre at 1-844-901-8442, though the health authority stresses that not everyone needs to be tested.
"You do not need a COVID test if you have mild symptoms and no risk factors for severe illness," Island Health said in a statement to CTV News on Tuesday.
The health authority says the take-home rapid tests will be available for pickup at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
According to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), the tests will be available at a drive-thru pickup location on the north end of the property, near the Helijet station.
Signs and health authority staff will also be at the location to provide directions.
"I am excited that our space will help to ensure the COVID-19 test get into the hands of residents," said Ian Robertson, CEO of the GVHA.
"As I have stated over the past two years, the health and safety of Victorians is our top priority."
Further guidance on if someone should seek COVID-19 testing can be found on the B.C. Centre for Disease Control website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.