Petition called on Ontario Government to stop pharmacies from offering COVID-19 testing to symptomatic people

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement by the Ontario government that Ontario pharmacies will be offering COVID-19 testing to symptomatic individuals represents a change from earlier policy that restricted it to only asymptomatic persons.

Ontario Premier, Doug Ford, announced these changes at a news conference. He mentioned that there would still be expectations that individuals wear masks and there will be proper spacing along the queues to get into these pharmacies. He states, “We have strong protocols in place. We’re going to be very cautious.”

This shift in testing of asymptomatic individuals to symptomatic individuals is in many ways controversial. At present, individuals without symptoms, who have not been in close proximity with someone who is positive and is outside of an outbreak investigation are able to access COVID-19 testing. It was intended that individuals who are Canadian residents, employees and individuals who visit long-term care homes, Indigenous persons and those who required medical help outside Canada are able to access this testing.

There will be an increase from about 600 to 1,300 pharmacies that will offer this new testing. Furthermore, at-home tests kits can be dropped off at cooperating pharmacies. This controversial change has elicited diverse reactions from different groups.

Andrea Horwath, NDP Leader has expressed her concerns about this move. She would like it to be put on hold because there is a possibility that seniors, immunocompromised individuals and individuals with unvaccinated younger children are at risk of exposure.

Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health is supportive of this move because he believes if safety procedures are in place, it will reduce the possibility of the spread of the virus in pharmacies.

On Friday, November 26^th, William Nguyen started a petition at change.org titled, “Stop symptomatic COVID-19 testing at Ontario Pharmacies.” The petition states, “Concerns are being raised about the safety of pharmacists, as well as the public if symptomatic patients are being tested at pharmacies. This petition is urging the government to consider alternatives, like home testing kits.” It listed concerns by pharmacists such as:

• Symptomatic testing centres are designed in a manner that enables segregation of patients and testers from other people with dedicated PPE, ventilation, separate entrances/exit, most often in an outdoors facility or in a dedicated, separate building
• Most patients visiting the pharmacy to pick up medications are already ill; some of which are on immunosuppressants or have children too young to be vaccinated, or are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (e.g. comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, etc.)
• Lack of transparency in decision making
• De facto lack of opt out options
• Contradicts legal requirement that one must self isolate if showing COVID-19 symptoms or are in close contact and are not allowed to enter work, public places or school. Since pharmacies are public places unlike testing centres, this would contradict the legal requirement of patients needing to self-isolate

The petition concludes, “It is urged that the government stop this plan and reconsider alternatives. Accessibility is an issue, but it should be implemented so that it does not endanger patients and compromise staff safety. Alternatives should be discussed.”