Despite Vancouver Island's low COVID-19 case count, it's an average two day wait to get tested

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Despite Vancouver Island's low COVID-19 case count, health officials say it's an average two day wait to get tested. And, they say people trying to book an appointment for a test through its Testing Call Center, are often on hold for up to ninety minutes.
BC's Minister of Health says it's important that Island Health ensures timely testing because Vancouver Island has a higher proportion of seniors and people with chronic medical conditions that make them more vulnerable if they get sick. Adrian Dix says improvements are coming.
A Vancouver Island MLA who sits on a Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act says he's confident it will address the issue of defunding the police. Adam Olsen says the goal of the review is to ensure the right resources are showing up in the right places when they're needed.
The 9 member committee of MLAs from all three parties has held two meetings so far. It heard presentations by the top level bureaucrats who manage the 45 year old Police Act. Presentations by members of the public will be scheduled over the fall and early spring. The committee will present its final report by May the 14th, next year.
A pilot project at the Vancouver Island Regional Library's Harbourfront branch has proven to be a popular initiative. Close to 3200 people have taken advantage of the Walkthrough Service in its first three weeks. That's an average of 144 library customers a day. The Library says customers wore masks and followed COVID safety protocols. Staff say they received "an overwhelmingly positive response."
In fact, the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District visited the branch to learn how the Walkthrough program could be used in school libraries this fall. The Walkthrough Service will expand to other regional library branches in the coming weeks.

Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco, News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.

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