Parents want more access to rapid testing in schools
Some parents are calling for rapid tests to be made readily available, and free to kids, to help avoid outbreaks in Ottawa's schools.
Stephen MacDonald has two kids in school, but that's not where they are this week.
“There have been a number of cohorts that are closed,” says MacDonald. “So two of my kids have had, on a rotating basis over the last few weeks, they’ve been home. Identified as high-risk contacts.”
His school, along with 17 others in the capital are dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks. Many are wondering why rapid tests are not flooding the school system.
"I’m left wondering why we don’t have it and why we don’t have access to it when so many other places are using this," says MacDonald. "They only just started vaccinating kids now, 5 to 11 now. And children under five aren’t vaccinated. And so if this is the unvaccinated segment of society, why is this tool not being applied and used for them. Why is it being reserved and handed out elsewhere."
NDP leader Andrea Horwath wants to see more access to the rapid tests.
"We can make the holidays safer for folks by providing rapid tests," says Horwath. "They are a tool that should be being used freely, and made available everywhere so anyone can get one whenever and whenever they need it."
The Ontario government insists they’ve used millions of rapid tests, but other provinces seem to have a more aggressive testing strategy. In Ontario, pharmacies charge $40 per test.
"These tests have been deployed across the province," says Health Minister Christine Elliot. "They’re not sitting in a warehouse. They are being used. They are available to people who need to receive them in assessment centres and pharmacies. In primary care. In work places. In congregate settings. Wherever they need them."
Premier Doug Ford says millions of tests are on the way to Ontario schools.
"We’re also giving 11 million kits, five packs to students to bring home," says Ford. "And so they can get tested, their family can get tested. We’re giving out about a million tests every single week."
MacDonald wonders why he’s never seen or used a rapid test; but is looking forward to using them, to help keep his family safe.
"They’re supposed to hand out some for the holiday period," says MacDonald. "But the government really needs to be handing out a lot more to a lot more people so that people have this as a tool."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.