Some LCBO stores in the Forest City will soon have a free supply of take-home rapid antigen test kits.
On Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford announced some new changes for COVID-19 booster shots and several additional public health measures to curb the rapid growth of the Omicron variant in Ontario. The announcement also included details about plans to bring millions of the rapid tests to 100 LCBO stores across the province."Rapid tests will be available at the checkouts of participating stores. We ask that customers line up to get a test kit, even if they are not purchasing a product, to maintain an orderly and safe retail experience for our customers and employees. We also ask that our customers only take one test kit at any one time, noting that there are several tests in each kit, to ensure fair distribution," read a statement released Thursday from the LCBO.
A total of six stores in London will offer the tests. The locations include:
• Clarke & Dundas (Argyle Mall)
• Hyde Park & Fanshawe Park Road
• Richmond & Fanshawe Park (Masonville)
• Wellington & Bradley
• Wonderland & Oxford
• Wonderland & Southdale (Power Centre)
During the Middlesex London Health Unit's media briefing on Thursday, Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers said that while tests may be important support, particularly for essential workers, he emphasized the kits will not "solve our journey" through this current wave of the Omicron variant.
"It is critical that even with a negative test, social gatherings should not happen," Dr. Summers said.
In the meantime, Dr. Summers said COVID-19 booster shots will be the key to helping address the Omicron transmission in the region. Over 30,000 new appointments have been added since last Friday up until January 13, 2022, by the health unit for those to book booster shot appointments. Those 50 and older can already start booking appointments, while adults 18-years and older can start scheduling time slots on Monday.
Additional information about the kits and where they will be offered can be found on the LCBO's website.
