Woodbridge LCBO gets COVID-19 rapid test kits, others have 'no idea' when to expect them

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 20, 2021

The answer was common.

LCBO staff, at locations across York Region set to receive COVID-19 rapid testing kits, have "no idea" when they'll be coming in.

This uncertainty as to when the kits will be available has resulted in long line-ups outside of stores on the morning of Dec. 17.

Residents have taken to social media to express frustration on the "lack of organization" on the provincial government's part.

"Way to go @fordnation and @ONgov, @LCBO supposed to have tests and don't have. Websites says they do. Ppl have been waiting outside for over 1/2 hr and were just told this now?! Don't know when they'll get them! Typical - announce something with NO plan #Fordfail #onpoli #rapidtests," a tweet made by user @tarakrane states.

COVID-19 rapid testing kits are available on a first come, first served basis. Locations in York Region include:

• Aurora - Bayview Avenue and St. John's Sideroad.

• Woodbridge - Hwy. 27 and Innovation Drive, Hwy. 7 and Weston Road.

• Vaughan - Dufferin Street and Major Mackenzie Drive.

As of 11 a.m., only the Woodbridge location at Hwy. 7 and Weston Road stated they had just received 100 kits, and they will go fast.

The location at 8260 Hwy. 27 and Innovation Drive does not have them in, and were told "they will get them in soon, but don't know what that means."

The Aurora location did not receive any kits today, and are telling people to check back tomorrow.

The Vaughan location also stated as of 11:30 a.m. that they do not have the kits in, and don't have a timeline of when they will be.

"People were lined up at 8 a.m. at the LCBO at Markham Road and Steeles Avenue and they still don't have tests as of 11 a.m. this morning," said Christine Matthews, of Markham.

However, long line-ups and no kits isn't the only thing that is causing upset and frustration, as one manager at an LCBO allegedly said people with symptoms are coming to pick up kits.

"I spoke to a manager at another LCBO and he is furious. He said people with symptoms are coming into his store to get tests. He was livid. The tests should be given out at the vaccine centre, one shot, one box," Matthews said, noting that the kits are already showing up for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

LCBO corporate communications released this statement:

"An allocation of COVID-19 rapid tests kits are starting to be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the select LCBO stores across the province. We expect most stores will receive supplies today, but cannot confirm exact arrival times at each location and do expect our limited supply to go quickly.

We thank our customers for their patience and understanding. Our dedicated store staff will be doing their best to share updates with anyone waiting in line and distribute kits on arrival. Store signage is also being used at front doors to indicate if a store has kits, does not have kits, or is expecting kits.

As participating stores run out of stock, we will post updates on the LCBO Twitter account."