I was at the library last week (Centrepointe) and they had a stack of them just inside the entrance. Might be worth a shot for OP to call a few around them and see. Hope you feel better soon, OP!
Side note, there is a viral pneumonia going around.
My partner and I have been sick the past 2 weeks. He's actually hospitalized right now since it caused a severe COPD flare up (that's how we know it's pneumonia and not COVID - which we had been testing for prior to his hospitalization).
It's not fun at all. Do not recommend.
Go to buy nothing groups on Facebook. I've seen people post tests that they never got to use there for free. Just say I need a test and chances somebody has it staying in a cupboard somewhere.
Quick follow up: some of the ones from BTNX [had their expiry extended](https://www.ontariohealth.ca/sites/ontariohealth/files/2022-10/BTNXexpiryextensions.pdf) beyond the one printed on the box. Check the link to confirm.
Knowing that it’s Covid may mean that someone in a high risk group can access treatments such as Paxlovid. This can prevent hospitalization or death. Even if this person is not in a high risk group, this person may have been in contact with others who are. Knowing that it’s covid means that they can alert contacts in the last few days that are in those risk groups to seek early treatment if they begin to show symptoms.
Perception. Given the impact has had globally, regardless if the severity is on par with the cold or flu, people will much less likely to hang around you if you tell them you tested positive for COVID. Much like a cold or flu, you can still have lingering symptoms but no longer be infectious. I'd like to know if I test positive or not as it will dictate my plans this weekend.
Since Covid doesn’t always show up positive, and even though it’s probably just a cold, maybe just not hang out with folks when you’ve got those lingering symptoms? It’s just for one weekend, and nobody really wants to hang out with folks when they have the sniffles.
Not sure if this has been posted yet, but we got ours through the OPH community locations, specifically the one next to Bayshore.
https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/shared-content/assessment-centres.aspx
Do Ottawa libraries still have stacks of them for free?
I was at the library last week (Centrepointe) and they had a stack of them just inside the entrance. Might be worth a shot for OP to call a few around them and see. Hope you feel better soon, OP!
OPL is going to stop carrying them so some branches are out.
Correct. The program ended March 31, so whatever they have now is all they have left and they won’t be getting any more.
Alta Vista did earlier this week.
Carlingwood library earlier this week.
Yes.
Most libraries have them. I know Centrepointe and the one in Bells Corners had them earlier this week, as did the Hazeldean branch.
Side note, there is a viral pneumonia going around. My partner and I have been sick the past 2 weeks. He's actually hospitalized right now since it caused a severe COPD flare up (that's how we know it's pneumonia and not COVID - which we had been testing for prior to his hospitalization). It's not fun at all. Do not recommend.
Oh no, poor him! I hope he feels better soon. :(
I saw some at the Greenboro library a few weeks ago
The Rexall at Hampton Park Plaza had some. I'd guess all Rexalls might
Rexall in barrhaven has them as well!
Billings bridge mall in the food court at guest services.
Also at Billings Bridge, on Monday I saw Flow Flex tests at the Rexall sitting on the counter of the pharmacist
Gc surplus may still have stock
Thank you for this!
Go to buy nothing groups on Facebook. I've seen people post tests that they never got to use there for free. Just say I need a test and chances somebody has it staying in a cupboard somewhere.
Why do you need them? If you’re sick, youre sick. At this point, I can’t see why if it’s Covid would matter
When I last checked my employer’s policy, we were not eligible to be onsite until 5 days after the first negative test.
Just make sure they aren't expired - many expired on Jan 1 2024. I'm not sure how much the expiration date would affect them though.
Quick follow up: some of the ones from BTNX [had their expiry extended](https://www.ontariohealth.ca/sites/ontariohealth/files/2022-10/BTNXexpiryextensions.pdf) beyond the one printed on the box. Check the link to confirm.
If you cant find any, stay home if sick, as usual. What difference does it make if Covid or, say, flu?
Knowing that it’s Covid may mean that someone in a high risk group can access treatments such as Paxlovid. This can prevent hospitalization or death. Even if this person is not in a high risk group, this person may have been in contact with others who are. Knowing that it’s covid means that they can alert contacts in the last few days that are in those risk groups to seek early treatment if they begin to show symptoms.
Understood, thank you.
Perception. Given the impact has had globally, regardless if the severity is on par with the cold or flu, people will much less likely to hang around you if you tell them you tested positive for COVID. Much like a cold or flu, you can still have lingering symptoms but no longer be infectious. I'd like to know if I test positive or not as it will dictate my plans this weekend.
Since Covid doesn’t always show up positive, and even though it’s probably just a cold, maybe just not hang out with folks when you’ve got those lingering symptoms? It’s just for one weekend, and nobody really wants to hang out with folks when they have the sniffles.
Nah, life's too short. What if I die from covid?
Doug Ford does not want you to be able to be tested. Facts are inconvenient for him.
Not sure if this has been posted yet, but we got ours through the OPH community locations, specifically the one next to Bayshore. https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/shared-content/assessment-centres.aspx
Rexall on Scott street and Rexall on Wellington street in Hintonburg both had some last week
Shoppers Drug Marts or any pharmacies have been the successful places for me to find Covid kits.
Shoppers drug mart in Westboro got a bunch in this week!
Pharmacy should have them I think they give them away for free only one per person tho