Joshua Domingues was sent home from school on Monday morning after he complained of a “scratchy throat.”
The Grade 3 student needed to get a COVID-19 test to return to class, and so his mom Tandice took him to the nearest station, in Chilliwack. When she arrived, the line-up snaked from the entrance at 9090 Newman Rd., around the corner to a hospital parking lot on Menholm Road.
“We just have to learn patience,” she said, holding her son’s hand. “It is what it is.”
ALSO READ: Chilliwack school enrolment continues to rise, but almost 1,000 students at home
Patience, because they were about 100 people deep in the line. Domingues attributed the long line to being a Monday, and school being in session now. And indeed, many of the people in line were children and teenagers accompanied by parents. Some had homework with them, or a book to read.
Some seniors in the line also had lawn chairs with them, resting along the way as the line moved forward.
The COVID-19 testing site recently moved location to Parkholm Lodge, and added the ability to test children.
Others noted that the testing site in Abbotsford, which takes appointments and some walk-ins, is booking into Wednesday.
Fraser Health has been contacted regarding the surge in demand for testing, and this story will be updated when a response is received.
ALSO READ: COVID-19: Most secondary students in person at B.C. schools
There is about 100 people including children and seniors in line for a COVID-19 test in #Chilliwack Seems unusual but maybe the new norm with school in session? â¦@Fraserhealthâ© pic.twitter.com/wVE3HmSIWd
— Jesswearyermask Peters (@CHWKcommunity) September 21, 2020
@CHWKcommunityjpeters@theprogress.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.
