Ford government facing push back on symptomatic testing at pharmacies

By Michael Ranger

The Ford government is facing backlash over a soon-to-be implemented program for symptomatic COVID-19 testing at pharmacies.

Opposition leaders and doctors are worried the plan will pose significant health risks and cause unneeded stress for employees and customers.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Ontario will allow any pharmacies who opt-in to begin testing customers with COVID-19 symptoms inside the pharmacy. This includes any individuals who come down with COVID-19 symptoms, or have been in close contact with a confirmed case.

“So people with COVID symptoms, who can spread a virus that is airborne, will go to a pharmacy where there are people with weak immune systems and unvaccinated children,” said palliative care physician Dr. Amrit Arya on Twitter.

“Insanity.”


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The NDP questioned Health Minister Christine Elliott about the government’s decision during Question Period at Queen’s Park on Wednesday.

“Will the premier tell us which of his buddies asked him to change the rules in ways that could jeopardize the health of Ontarians,” asked NDP MPP Peggy Sattler.

“The only buddy that we have received information from is our chief medical officer of health,” responded Elliott. “This is going to be safe, there are going to strict measures which I’ve already indicated.”

The government hopes the new program will increase testing options for Ontarians, but some are worried the risks may outweigh any benefits.

A number of doctors have already spoken up against the new plan. Expressing concern that allowing people with symptoms into the buildings could easily spread the virus.

Dr. Anna Banerji, a professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, said she wouldn’t want to go into a pharmacy where people with COVID-19 symptoms are getting tested.

“I have some concerns,” she said. “You’re mixing people who are sick with people who are going into the pharmacy for general kinds of things, who may be elderly or may need medications, may be immunocompromised.”

Banerji said she has questions about how well ventilated pharmacies are and whether distancing will even be possible while people wait for their tests.

There is also concerns that the new plan could result in fewer Ontarians getting their flu shot.

“Will people forgo getting their flu shot at pharmacies where symptomatic COVID testing is co-located?” asked Dr. Michael Warner, the director of critical care at Michael Garron Hospital, on Twitter. “If so, has the government modeled the impact on overall flu shot uptake and the influx of those seeking shots in safer venues like MD offices?”

Dr. Kieran Moore was asked about the safety of the new program on Wednesday,

“We absolutely anticipate great partnership with our pharmacy experts and that they will be able to test in a safe manner within their facilities,” said Dr. Moore. “We are working with them to have the best infection prevention and control protocols in place.”

A recent poll found that a majority of Ontarians surveyed support allowing local pharmacies to conduct symptomatic testing. The survey from Pollara Strategic Insights also found that 64 per cent of respondents would feel safe visiting a pharmacy where symptomatic testing was taking place.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath released a statement asking the Ford government to pause the new program until it is ensure the proper safety protocols were put into place. Horwath said it would only cause “fear and anxiety” for vulnerable people.

Ford was asked on Tuesday about safety concerns for customers now that people with symptoms will be allowed inside certain locations. The premier said he is confident that the necessary safety precautions will be in place.

The province says all participating pharmacies are expected to implement a number control measures in order to protect staff, patients and customers against the virus.

The measures include dedicated space to perform specimen collection, physical distancing, time between tests to allow for cleaning and avoid queuing, wearing masks inside pharmacies, and performing routine environmental cleaning.


With files from the Canadian Press

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