Ontario's COVID-19 Tests Are So Backed Up That They Are Sending Some To The States

As more cases continue to be reported, Ontario's COVID-19 testing capacity is now so full that the province is sending some tests to California and back for processing. 

Since the second wave has been officially declared, assessment centres across Ontario have been overwhelmed with traffic and long lines. 

Not only are the centres full, but the labs are also now needing extra help processing the data. 

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The province continues to expand the capacity of our lab network, including working with third parties as necessary.

Ministry of Health

According to CTV, the company taking Ontario lab tests is called Quest Diagnostics, a New Jersey-based testing chain with labs in multiple countries.

The centre that Ontario's results are going to is in San Juan Capistrano, California, which is around 4,000 kilometres away.

The province has said that they will consider all their options when it comes to keeping Ontarians safe.

"Testing is a key pillar in Ontario’s fight against COVID-19," wrote the Ministry of Health to Narcity. 

"We will leave no stone unturned to keep Ontarians safe."

Testing now requires an appointment at all facilities to keep up with the demand, and it's been reported that some people are even waiting weeks for a Shoppers test in Toronto.