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COVID-19 testing lineup wraps around block in Chilliwack

Testing lineup includes seniors, children and their parents as demand seems to surge
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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


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jpeters@theprogress.com

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Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I began my career in 1999, covering communities across the Fraser Valley ever since.
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