Non-profit hands out COVID-19 rapid test kits in hard-hit Fraser Valley communities
Parts of the Fraser Valley with high COVID-19 transmission rates are getting an added layer of protection in the fight against the virus.
Take-home rapid antigen test kits are being given out to people who live in the Fraser Health region. Each kit contains 25 nasal swab tests, which provide results in approximately 15 minutes.
Hundreds of the Health-Canada-approved kits were distributed for free in Chilliwack on Saturday morning at a pop-up event organized by the Engaged Communities Canada Society (ECCS). The group, which helps underserved communities access support services, handed out the kits in partnership with the Fraser Health Authority.
“This project is a true reflection of what the virus is doing,” said Upkar Tatlay, founder of ECCS.
The kits are only available to people who live in the Fraser Health region, which stretches westward to Burnaby, and eastward to Hope.
“Based on information the health authority is getting, they’re providing guidance to us to then go into the community and hit those hotspots,” Tatlay explained.
In late September, the province announced tighter COVID-19 restrictions for the Fraser East local health area, which includes Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission, Hope and Agassiz-Harrison. For the past week, Tatlay’s group has been handing out test kits in the area, much to the pleasure of residents.
“It’s amazing. I am so, so happy we’re able to access these today,” said Colleen Alton, a Grade 1 teacher in Chilliwack. She says having access to rapid tests will allow her to see her parents regularly.
“They’re older, and with me teaching Grade 1, I’m nervous (visiting them). I don’t visit them often enough.”
“It’s really important that if I am self-monitoring and start showing symptoms, I can quickly take a test and get results at home,” said Liam Archer, a teacher at Chilliwack Secondary School. Archer says access to rapid tests will give him peace of mind that he is not exposing any of his students or colleagues to the virus.
On Saturday, many of those picking up rapid test kits were parents of children under the age of 12, who are still ineligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. With no school-based rapid testing program in B.C., parents like Mirjam Gregoire decided to take initiative.
“I work at a long-term care facility and we use (rapid tests) on a daily basis,” she said. “They are so handy, and since my kids are in school, preschool and daycare, I thought I’d like to have them around the house.”
According to the ECCS, the kits are intended for people who are partially vaccinated, ineligible for a vaccine, or at higher risk of contracting the virus.
“There’s really no specific category of individual,” said Tatlay. “We’re just making sure those people who need the tests are getting them.”
For updates on future pop-ups, check the ECCS Facebook page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.