1/ Last week, our old thermometer briefly registered a low-grade fever for our son. We retook his temp multiple times, and it was always normal; he seemed 100% fine. Out of an abundance of caution, we took him for a COVID test and were told to isolate him til the results were in.

2/ Including the testing day, our lives were upended for 6 days, disrupting school, work & other activities, while we checked repeatedly for his result so life could resume. Each time, we had to enter and re-enter all of his health info. It was stressful & time-consuming.

3/ These long delays to get test results, & even just to get tested, are penalizing to families. I'm fortunate to work from home & it was stressful enough. For others, this type of disruption could threaten jobs & livelihoods. Kids have already missed a lot of school.

4/ We need testing rapidly expanded and results turned around quickly. Otherwise, I fear, people will simply ignore some symptoms and hope for the best, which could actually pose further threats to public health. With jobs on the line, many will feel they have little choice.

5/ Waiting in long lines, often for days on end, is unacceptable. Last week, people were lining up at 3am for local testing; the site had to close. For those with children or disabilities, this type of situation may be impossible. https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2020/09/23/demand-for-covid-19-tests-overwhelming-testing-clinics-in-waterloo-region.html?fbclid=IwAR0BQXaFfg3dBuGN_AYExG1ToAfjTPpk4B17IyyHNFFgIeFLZq7G3g1uMT4

6/ The back to school surge in testing demand should have been predicted and planned for. We must get this right. Our kids and families have already suffered long enough. We need same day testing and 24-hour turn-around for results to keep schools safe and parents employed.

7/ With thanks to @JoelRubinoff for raising these important issues with his usual engaging and good humoured approach - if we can't laugh, we'd have to cry: https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2020/09/25/despite-plenty-of-warning-covid-wreaks-havoc-again.html