Thirty-four community organizations have penned a letter to the provincial government, urging for a sustainable supply of free rapid tests for vulnerable populations.
According to the St. John’s Status of Women Council, the 34 organizations include community and volunteer groups, as well as health care providers.
Bridget Clarke, Advocacy Coordinator with the Status of Women Council, says people are making hard decisions about living life with COVID-19.
She says it is impacting the ability of people to work, access child care, and receive an education. She says people don’t know when or how long to isolate, which could in turn cause more spread to other vulnerable people.
34 healthcare leaders & community agencies in NL are urgently requesting that the @GovNL make free, accessible rapid tests available to vulnerable populations. 📢 Share our open letter and write to @HCS_GovNL & @FureyAndrew to show your support. https://t.co/xEwIm1e3uO pic.twitter.com/XgYs3ysG8k
— St. John's Status of Women Council (@SJSOWC) April 25, 2022
According to the Council, the current options to access rapid tests are not “accessible, equitable, or sustainable.”
All groups on the letter are strongly recommending that the province immediately step in to make the tests more accessible.
They’re encouraging people to share their open letter and to write to the provincial government about the issue.
