Health officials work to shorten lineups at Vancouver Coastal Health testing sites
Posted December 18, 2021 6:01 pm.
Last Updated December 19, 2021 1:47 am.
The Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions saw long lineups at COVID-19 testing sites Saturday, as Omicron cases spread across the province.
The Ministry of Health is aware of these wait times, saying both health authorities are working hard to add more capacity.
Line stretches down 33rd Avenue and onto Cambie. VPD Traffic Authority on site. pic.twitter.com/M0crEiJzGx
— Tim James (@TimJamesCity) December 15, 2021
“We’re exploring ways to make the testing process as efficient as possible without compromising patient safety and service quality,” says a statement from the Ministry online.
Long wait times were reported at several locations on Dec. 15 as well, with lines stretching along city blocks.
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If you don’t have symptoms, stay away from testing services for the time being, it advises. This will allow frontline providers to prioritize care to those who are most likely to be infected.
“Before visiting a test site, we advise all residents to complete BC’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to ensure they require a test,” the statement reads.
Lineups mounted after Dr. Bonnie Henry’s announcement of new public health and safety rules on Friday, which put restrictions on events over the holidays.
