Queen’s students without symptoms of COVID-19 can now get tested.

Two pharmacies in Kingston are offering free asymptomatic COVID-19 testing: the Shoppers Drug Marts at 775 Strand Boulevard and 1201 Division Street. Both pharmacies are open Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to midnight.

The addition of asymptomatic COVID-19 testing centres in Ontario is part of the provincial government’s “Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19” plan. The plan revealed 50 new locations offering COVID-19 testing at pharmacies, including the two in Kingston.

Premier Doug Ford announced a $1.376 billion investment to enhance the province’s COVID-19 response on Oct. 14. This investment includes a flu shot campaign, hiring more nurses, and a plan to expand testing and contact tracing.

READ MORE: Queen’s tests 400 students at COVID-19 testing centre in first week

The pharmacy locations are available to test asymptomatic individuals who meet the criteria established by the Province. Testing is by appointment.

The list of those who are eligible for testing includes long-term care home residents, workers, or visitors; homeless shelter residents or workers; farmworkers; self-identified Indigenous individuals; individuals who require testing for travel clearance; and residents or workers in other congregate living settings.

International students who’ve passed their mandated 14-day quarantine period can also get tested at the pharmacy.

The Kingston Assessment Centre at Beechgrove is still offering COVID-19 testing by appointment, but only for individuals who are exhibiting symptoms.

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There are currently five active cases of COVID-19 in the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health region.

Queen’s opened its own satellite COVID-19 assessment centre in Mitchell Hall on Sept. 15 for pre-booked appointments Monday to Friday from 5- 8 p.m.

Cynthia Gibney, director of Student Wellness Services, told The Journal the Mitchell Hall testing centre has performed approximately 2,000 COVID-19 tests so far.

A total of 25 positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified at Queen’s: nine in residence and 16 off-campus. Two cases were reported last week, from Oct. 12-18.

Students can book an appointment at the Mitchell Hall testing centre by calling Student Wellness Services at 613-533-2506.

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