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Summary

An Ottawa COVID-19 Testing Clinic Hit Maximum Capacity Just 16 Minutes After Opening

Demand for testing is increasing dramatically in the city. 😳
Managing Editor, Canada

If you need a test, prepare for a long wait. On Wednesday, a COVID-19 testing clinic in Ottawa reached maximum capacity within just 16 minutes of opening.

At 10:16 a.m. on September 23, Ottawa’s Hôpital Montfort tweeted to confirm that their testing centre had reached capacity, less than 20 minutes after opening.

"The East End COVID-19 Care Clinic on Heron has reached maximum capacity and is not taking additional visitors for the day," they explained.

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This comes as testing centres across the city continue to reach capacity before midday. 

On Wednesday, Twitter users reported lines of up to 600 people at 6:41 a.m. at local testing sites.

Last week, a local member of provincial parliament criticized the long wait times in the city. MPP Joel Harden revealed that some Ottawans had been waiting for up to eight hours in 1-kilometre long lines just to get a test.

*This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.

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    • Managing Editor

      Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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