Getting rapid antigen tests to residents will be a priority for local fire departments and Chambers of Commerce. (file/Saskatchewan Health Authority)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

logistical prep

Rapid test distribution centres prepping for high demand

Oct 19, 2021 | 11:49 AM

Preparations are underway to distribute rapid antigen testing kits in the Battlefords, as soon as the tests arrive.

The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce is one of the spots for kit pickup in the region and will be operating as a drive-thru service only. Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak said from the service road access, residents can pull into one of three or four parking spots, where someone will get their order for how many tests they want and then will go retrieve them.

“I’m hoping as of Thursday at 1 p.m., we’ll have the kits in place and be in a position to offer them,” she said.

Going forward, this will be available for residents every Monday and Thursday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. In order to meet the volume of what will likely be a consistent flow of motorists coming through, the chamber will have some help from the Battlefords North Stars to provide this service. All rapid tests are being provided through taxpayer dollars. Information on self-administration of the tests is provided.

Machniak said they are still waiting for some information, such as what bundles the tests will come in. Some may come in groups of five, others in groups of 30, with the limit for getting tests set at a two week supply. Machniak added that they hope the supply of kits they receive is more than just the Battlefords, with plenty of people in the surrounding region looking to acquire tests.

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“I’ve had calls from Turtleford, Cut Knife and the lake communities north of us, so I’m hoping we get an allotment which will be bigger than just the city and the town,” she said. “Based on the initial demand, I’m sure it will go quickly.”

And based on the feedback she’s received, Machniak said the drive-thru strategy will accommodate the most people.

“I think people are appreciative of the fact that they can stay in their vehicles,” she said. “We’re confident that doing this drive-thru was the way to go.”

Fire Hall still waiting

Another option for residents to pick up rapid tests is the North Battleford Fire Department, but there’s no timetable for when this will be available.

Chief Lindsay Holm said they are still waiting for more information from the province and don’t know when the supplies will arrive.

“I think they are having logistical issues and we haven’t received any yet, but we hope they’re coming soon,” he said. “At present, we don’t have any tests yet,”

Holm said they also don’t know how exactly how many tests are coming or what kind of parameters there will be for distribution. In the meantime, they are asking for patience.

“I am hoping I’ll have some information in the next few days,” he said.

The Fire Department themselves have had a small supply of rapid tests for staff to utilize when necessary.

“We’ve had some for a while, but we took pretty good measures to make sure our staff are safe as a city,” Holm said. “Thankfully we haven’t had any of our members test positive.”

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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