Free COVID-19 rapid test kits in high demand at Waterloo pop-up event

For the first time in 18 months, Melanie Oleksiw will finally get the chance to hug her mother this Christmas — partially thanks to a free rapid COVID-19 antigen test kit.

"I'm getting the test to make sure I'm safe before I go near her," said Oleksiw, noting her mother is immuno-compromised. "It gives me reinforcement that I'm taking the right precautions."

Oleksiw was among 100 people who picked up test kits at a pop-up event on Sunday at the Adult Recreation Centre in Waterloo. It was the first pop-up hosted by COVID Test Finders, a Twitter account that helps people find free rapid tests.

More than 1,500 people had signed up for the opportunity, but a lottery system was implemented because only 100 kits with four tests each were available.

Jason Taylor was able to get his hands on a test kit. He said getting tested before holiday gatherings is reassuring.

"I'm kind of hopeful that I'll be able to actually comfortably see people that I want to see over Christmas, friends and family that I haven't seen for a while now," he said.

Katie Gregory, who is a local doctor on medical leave for chemotherapy, said she picked up test kits for people coming to her house for child care.

"People can continue to come and help a little bit while I'm not feeling as well … it's just an extra layer of protection," said Gregory.

Demand is 'enormous'

Last week, the province announced it will start giving out free rapid tests at pop-up sites that include malls, libraries and LCBO stores. By Friday, the LCBO said it was all out of tests after stores distributed them on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The province released an online list of planned pop-ups, but most appear to be in the Greater Toronto Area and none in Waterloo region.

"We're happy to see the Ontario government starting initiatives to distribute rapid tests. There is still room for improvement," said Dr. Dalia Hasan, founder and director of COVID Test Finders.

"The rollout through the LCBO seemed overwhelming for their staff. It's not their primary priority to be distributing rapid tests. Rapid tests are a public health tool and as such should be distributed in a public health setting," she said, noting she'd like to see tests distributed through doctor's offices and hospitals.

Hasan, who was at the pop-up in Waterloo on Sunday, said the demand for tests is "enormous."

"It speaks to the fact that every person within this region and outside of it wants to be able to protect their family, their loved one," she said.

Tests for purchase

In a public health meeting last Friday, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the region's medical officer of health, said she has advocated for Waterloo region to get rapid tests and the province "has been very responsive."

Local libraries are also planning on handing out free test kits, but it's unclear when those tests will arrive.

In the meantime, local companies such as the Canadian Shield have been busy selling kits online. As of Sunday, the company's website said it was out of stock.

It's no surprise, as there has been an "astronomical" increase in demand since the start of this month, said Jessica Braun, senior marketing manager with the company.

"We ... are just doing everything we can to meet the demand."