The rollout of COVID-19 rapid testing kits in circuit breaker areas was cut short due to significant demand.
A total of 7,500 free rapid test kits changed hands on Saturday, with pick-up spots in three locations – Moncton, Perth-Andover and Grand Falls.
Although the province previously stated kits would be available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., by mid-afternoon stock had run dry.
In Moncton, supplies lasted just three and a half hours before individuals were turned away. Distributed in the Magic Mountain parking lot, 4,500 kits – or 22,500 tests – were handed out.
“For example, the amount of kits distributed in Moncton today represented 10 times more requests than the daily average number of PCR tests requested by the entire zone,” said Gail Harding, a spokesperson for the Government of New Brunswick.
At the locations in Perth-Andover and Grand falls, supplies lasted until 1 p.m., when they shut down operations.
The Perth-Andover site was equipped with 1,000 kits, while the Grand Falls spot distributed 2,000 kits.
“We appreciate the public is looking to obtain these kits given the demand shown today. We look forward now to commencing the distribution province-wide next week, and they will continue to be available on an ongoing basis,” Harding said.
To get a sense of how many people showed up, this is the line to get in. pic.twitter.com/JSPbXUP9ab
— Robert (@RobertLothian_) October 16, 2021
Program expands
Anyone who did not get their hands on a rapid testing kit on Saturday will be able to try again on Monday when the program expands to the entire province.
Intended for those without COVID-19 symptoms, free testing kits will be available to take home from several sites throughout the week.
The rapid tests are not for anyone under the age of two or anyone who has been deemed a close contact by Public Health, according to a provincial news release.
A kit has five tests to be used over a 10-day period. People 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult to receive a testing kit.
Anyone who has a positive result on a rapid test is encouraged to get a lab-based PCR test at an assessment centre.
The locations and details are as follows:
· Moncton: Greater Moncton Health Centre, 150 Edmonton Ave., (3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday)
· Cocagne: Cocagne Health Clinic, 4813 Rte. 134, (8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon Friday)
· Moncton, 380 MacNaughton Ave. (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Edmundston: Edmundston Regional Hospital, 275 Hébert Blvd., (2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Clair: Haut-Madawaska Medical Clinic, 809 Principale St., (1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
· Grand Falls: Grand Falls General Hospital, 625 Everard H. Daigle Blvd., (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Saint-Quentin: Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin, 21 Canada St., (2 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily)
· Campbellton: E.L. Murray Medical Clinic, 3 Stanley St., (2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Dalhousie: St. Joseph Community Health Centre, 280 Victoria St., (noon to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Shediac: Shediac Regional Medical Centre, 419 Main St., (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Belledune: Jacquet River Health Centre, 41 Mack St., (1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Bathurst: Chaleur Regional Hospital, 1750 Sunset Blvd., (12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday)
· Caraquet: Enfant-Jésus RHSJ Hospital, 1 Saint-Pierre Blvd. W., (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Tracadie: Tracadie Hospital, 400 Des Hospitalières St., (1 p.m. to 3 p.m. daily)
· Lamèque: Lamèque Hospital and Community Health Centre, 29 De l’Hôpital St., (noon to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Paquetville: Paquetville Health Centre, 1096 Du Parc St., (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday)
· Saint-Isidore: Saint-Isidore Community Health Centre, 3973-1 Des Fondateurs Blvd., (12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Fredericton: Exhibition Grounds, 361 Smythe St., (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Miramichi: 365 Wellington St. (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday)
· Saint John: Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal, 333 Water St., (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday)
