Access to a screening test is still as difficult in Estrie, the time slots being mainly reserved for essential workers or people struggling with obvious symptoms of COVID-19.
Obtaining an appointment online in one of the designated centers is extremely complicated and time consuming due to the lack of resources and the health network which is increasingly under pressure.
Pharmacies in Sherbrooke have also been out of stock of rapid tests for a week, forcing people who want to know whether or not they have contracted the virus to turn to other solutions.
In addition to private laboratories, the Familiprix pharmacy on King Street East has been offering this service for three weeks following booking by phone.
For the sum of $ 70, the result of an antigen test can be received in 15 minutes as well as a written certificate signed by a health professional in the case of a negative result.
Some people have no choice but to use this service offer, either because their employer requires proof of them, or because they have to travel across the border.
The management of the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CIUSSS) of Estrie-CHUS explained that they were waiting for directions from the Ministry of Health before modifying access to screening.
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