Last Updated on January 13, 2022 by YGK News Staff
As part of the Ontario Government’s commitment to making Rapid Antigen Test Kits more accessible to Ontarians, Rapid Test Kits will be distributed to the Kingston public next week. The tests are free of charge.
The rapid test kits will be distributed between Monday, January 10th, 2022, and Friday, January 14th starting at 10:00 am on each day. The kits will be distributed at Queen’s University’s “Queen’s Centre/ARC” at 99 University Ave.
“Rapid antigen tests are used as an additional screening tool only for asymptomatic individuals and not for diagnostic purposes,” writes the Ontario Government on their holiday pop up schedule for Rapid Antigen Tests.
Those who are symptomatic are asked not to attend the pop-up location. Those picking up antigen tests are being asked to wear a face covering, bring accessibility devices if needed and dress for the weather if the tests are given outdoors.
The availability of Rapid Test Kits comes on the same day that students at Queen’s University are expected to begin their winter semester. Most classes are expected to remain virtual until the end of February.
It’s currently unclear how many rapid tests will be given out. Residents have been disappointed with the supply of Rapid Antigen Tests thus far and have noted that tests distributed in December fell far shorter than what was demanded.
If you test positive for COVID-19 through an antigen test, the Ontario Government says you are required to be isolated for five days and 10 days if you are partially vaccinated, immunocompromised or unvaccinated. The Ontario Government also says you should notify all close contacts.
Only high-risk groups are eligible for a PCR test if necessary.
The initiative as a whole will be distributing approximately 2 million test kits between December 2021 and January 2022.
More information can be found on the Ontario Government’s Holiday Pop Up Schedule Website. Supports for those with COVID-19 are available here.
