Initial supply of rapid tests snapped up in under 10 minutes
By Lethbridge Herald on December 18, 2021.
The rollout of free COVID-19 rapid test kits in Lethbridge on Friday morning was not a resounding success for Alberta Health Services.
By most accounts, AHS had run out of the 400 test kits they had available in less than 10 minutes after distribution commenced at 8 a.m., and many hoping to secure the free kits took to social media to express their frustration.
Various Twitter posts suggested some citizens had lined up at the local health unit as early as 7 a.m. to ensure they received some test kits.
Shortly after they ran out, AHS South Zone confirmed on social media that no more would be available for distribution in Lethbridge until next week.
“Thank you for your patience and efforts to help protect your community. Over 400 kits were handed out in each community today. Due to very high demand, AHS sites in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Pincher Creek and Coaldale have run out of free COVID-19 rapid test kids. More will be available next week.”
COVID-19 rapid test kids were available for free to Albertans starting Dec. 17, and can be secured at AHS sites and participating pharmacies. Over 500,000 rapid antigen tests will be available for at-home use on a first come, first served basis.
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In the “major cities” [ insulting enough ] it took hours standing in line to be processed and get 1 or 2 kits – recording Health Care #’s and printing out reciepts for return to AHS. Here it took 10 min to clear the shelf ?
Either the Lethbridge Unit is a model of efficiency or someone handed these things out like Halloween Candy. I wonder how many people left with more than 2 kits ?
Also, if the idea is to test before Christmas [ and one might assume New Years ] gatherings why use a single location with limited hours that will be closed from Dec 24- Jan 4 ?
Laughable if it were not such a sad performance.