Two Cambridge LCBO stores that were among 100 across the province distributing free rapid antigen test kits Friday as part of the provincial government's enhanced testing strategy, ran out of COVID test kits by early afternoon.
The province announced Thursday, that as part of the government’s enhanced testing strategy, it would handing out free take-home rapid test kits at select LCBO stores starting Friday on a first-come, first-served basis.
The LCBO on Franklin and Dundas was among the first LCBOs in the province to run out of the free rapid test kits shortly after noon, according to a tweet on their Twitter account.
By around 2:30 p.m. Friday, the LCBO on Holiday Inn Drive was down to its last few, handing them out to customers as they entered the store.
Current rapid test kit update. The following stores are now out of stock:
— LCBO (@LCBO) December 17, 2021
Guelph - Speedvale & Stevenson
Guelph - Scottsdale & Stone Rd W
Cambridge - Franklin & Dundas
London - Wonderland & Oxford
Oakville Dundas & Trafalgar (Oak Park)
The full list of LCBO stores distributing the kits can be found here.
But many on social media were critical of the move, not only because LCBOs aren't always easily accessible, but because many feel a liquor store is inappropriate place to distribute the kits given the nature of the business and the fact that many marginalized members of the community likely wouldn't want step foot inside.
A beer store is not a community hub. Ontario providing free rapid tests at LCBO outlets is a reminder that equity is not a priority for policymakers.
— Ahmed Ali (@MrAhmednurAli) December 15, 2021
Handed out the rapid test to in-person students at my school today and had to look the in-person staff in the face and say sorry there isn’t enough for you…but I could have told them to to the @LCBO to get one?!?!? It’s sickening on so many levels. #OntEd #OnPoli pic.twitter.com/VwK3aTZHdk
— Brandon Zoras (@brandonzoras) December 15, 2021
Despite that hesitancy, the kits went fast, with thousand lining up to get their hands on one.
The tests, which have been offered free to businesses through organizations like the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, for months, are available for $40 at pharmacies.
Anyone still looking for a free test kit may have better luck next week.
Friday afternoon Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the kits will be made more widely available over the next two weeks with distribution happening at places like malls and 10 million more kits expected to arrive on Dec. 27.
A Twitter account called COVID Test Finders dedicated to helping Ontario residents know where they can get free rapid tests began those listing locations this week.
It goes without saying: please be kind to the employees at the @LCBO, they are doing their best to roll out these critical public health tools
— COVID Test Finders (@C19TestFinders) December 17, 2021
We are hopeful more announcements will be made with increased locations including public libraries, to distribute 🆓 RATs equitably