As a record number of COVID-19 cases hit Quebec head-on, Montrealers stormed screening clinics on Tuesday morning.
In the afternoon, the sidewalks around the screening centers recalled March 2020, when the virus took all Quebecers by surprise and the screening clinics were new.
But this time, it’s not new, recalls Ghita Ben Ammar. She has been waiting for three hours to have access to the walk-in screening offered at the CLSC Parc-Extension.
“Impossible to have an appointment. The next ones available are after the holidays. I can’t wait, ”explains the young woman struggling with mild symptoms.
She’s not the only one shivering in front of the establishment. In the 400-meter line, some are reading a book, others have brought camping chairs.
Florence Laferrière has resigned herself to waiting in the cold after several attempts to make an appointment. She has been in contact with a positive case and wants to make sure she does not spread the virus during the holiday season.
“I’m lucky I’m on leave. But others can’t afford to wait for hours. ”
Sylvain Mayer knows he has COVID-19. He had his positive result via a rapid screening test. However, Public Health recommends a second laboratory test. “It may sound illogical, but I understand. It’s still impossible to have a date, a lot of people might think it’s not worth getting tested twice. ”
At the screening center located in the former Hôtel-Dieu, there was a crowd. A health worker warns the many visitors in line: the center has reached its full capacity. They have to come back tomorrow morning.
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, THE PRESS
A queue had also formed at the drop-in screening center at Hôtel Dieu.
In front of the crestfallen air, she offers rapid screening tests, which she distributes to those who say they have symptoms. After waiting over an hour, Bianka Bournival and Amélie Lévesque are relieved to have an alternative.
“I came yesterday and it was the same. Full capacity. Online, forget that… the next date is December 31, ”says the first.
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, THE PRESS
Rapid screening kits were distributed at the Hôtel Dieu screening clinic to ease the wait for some.
Laboratory screening tests should be reserved for people who have symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 or when the result of a rapid test is positive, recalls the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS ).
“We ask the population, in the event of close contact with a confirmed case, to isolate themselves and monitor the appearance of symptoms before coming to a screening clinic. ”