Queen’s University to Deliver Free COVID-19 Test Kits to Students – Kingston | The Canadian News

Amid the current spike in COVID-19 cases in the Kingston region, as well as on the Queen campus, where 282 cases were reported last week alone, the university will provide students with COVID-19 test kits.

The school says that students who are asymptomatic will receive rapid antigen tests that can be collected at Grant Hall, while those who are symptomatic can collect their PCR tests at the southeast entrance to Mitchell Hall.

The move is being done as a way to curb the spread of Omicron as students prepare to return home for winter break. Currently, there are outbreaks in four Queen residences. Face-to-face exams were also canceled for the remainder of the semester.

During a conference call with health officials on Monday, Health Medical Officer Dr. Piotr Oglaza underscored the importance of getting students tested before leaving town.

“Our message to the student community before returning home is to seek tests before leaving and to be aware of the potential risks they may have been exposed to while residing in this community,” said Dr. Oglaza.

Oglaza also noted that students do not necessarily pose a threat to the rest of the city, as the Omicron variant is already present.

If the tests are positive, students must be isolated in place for 10 days. However, if it is a high-risk contact, the student must also isolate himself for 10 days.

1:53Queen’s University cancels face-to-face exams

The school adds that those who intended to leave for winter break and have received a negative test and who are not high-risk contacts are asked to leave as soon as possible.

Those who have already returned home are also encouraged to get tested.