Long line-ups at the Coquitlam testing and immunization centre are causing some frustration.
And some may be tempted to skip their appointments, the Tri-City News has learned.
But Fraser Health says it is acting quickly to get people through the centres in an efficient manner.
Last Saturday, the line up to get into the Coquitlam COVID-19 Testing and Immunization Centre in the Coquitlam Central Station Park and Ride overflow lot in the 2900-block oif Barnet Highway extended from Mariner Way past Rona on to Barnet Highway, said a Port Coquitlam man.
The father of a five-year-old girl told the Tri-City News that he decided to avoid the wait and went home and re-booked his daughter's COVID-19 shot.
"It was a hassle, yes," said the dad, who said cars were in the line-up for both testing and immunization until they eventually separated.
GARGLE TESTS AVAILABLE TO SPEED UP LINE-UPS
On Monday (Dec. 20), the testing station was busy for both walk-ups for kids' shots as well as the drive-thru testing, but there were no long line-ups to get to the site.
Some people who were given a gargle test to take home were also arriving to bring back the results to the testing centre.
"We're here for the testing," said one man, who was carrying a bag of saline tests for himself and his family.
Fraser Health has acknowledged that there have been long line-ups at testing and immunization clinics across the region due to the high number of people seeking a COVID-19 test.
"I can tell you that we continue to see an increasing number of appointments being booked at all our COVID-19 testing and immunization centres (CTIC). This uptick in traffic, for those with and without appointments, unfortunately has resulted in lineups at some of our busier locations for a period of time," stated senior communications consultant Curtis Harling in an email to the Tri-City News.
Testing staff are also offering gargle tests to people who don't want to wait in line. The tests can be done at home, after following specific but easy directions. The gargle solution can then be returned to the testing site.
"We are working hard to add more capacity and extra resources to some of our peak times and busier clinic locations to accommodate as many people as possible," Harling further added.
"Fraser Health is committed to ensuring everyone who is eligible and wants to book an appointment for a COVID-19 test is able to get one."
NO INFORMATION ON WAIT TIMES AVAILABLE AT FRASER HEALTH
However, unlike Vancouver Coastal, which provides wait times for COVID-19 testing centres, Fraser Health does not provide information about testing wait times.
Still, Fraser Health states that it is "critically important for people living in the Fraser Health region to get tested as soon as you have COVID-19-like symptoms, even mild ones."
It recommends pre-booking for a test. People living in the Fraser Health region can find information about test collection centres by visiting Fraser Health’s website.
While Fraser Health encourages people to book COVID-19 tests using the online booking system, a central intake number is also available at 604-587-3936, seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to assist people in completing their COVID-19 test booking form or to set up an appointment.
Meanwhile, Fraser Health continues to offer vaccines for children aged five to 11, and for people who have been contacted to get their booster shot.
For more information on how to book an immunization appointment at a Fraser Health, please visit this website.
