Lines at Ontario Covid centres are, predictably, long. In the absence of central guidance, here is an ask. Please, do NOT get tested because you want to go to a party, to a weekend away, because the bride asked you to pre-wedding (all reported from centres this week) 1/

First, you shouldn’t be doing any of those things. Even if you are “allowed” to by the rules. Anyone medical I know has withdrawn again — no indoors, no grandparents, no gatherings. Only outside and distanced, like before. Pay attention to that please. This is not a drill. 2/

Kids back at school have burst all bubbles we once had, even if you don’t know kids personally. We highly recommend you shut it all down for a bit til we see where we are by the end of the month/Thanksgiving. 3/

Second, your result only reflects your status at that moment, and a negative test is useless for predicting if you’ll still be negative a few days from now when you’re trying to attend the event you shouldn’t be be attending anyway. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth. 4/

Third, your result will take anywhere from 1-8 days depending on where you are, how many others are also getting tested, and various other behind the scenes issues. So not only is your result more useless each day (see above) but your test delays others...which delays others...5/

In summary, if you’re asymptomatic & have no other reason to be tested, just don’t. You’re taking up space from scared kids with sniffles & coughs who are keeping whole families at home til their results return. We can do this, but we need space to test those who really need it.