Fire department doesn’t expect long lines at testing site to cause problems

The long lines at the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s COVID-19 drive-through testing site at Evraz Place are an inconvenience to drivers, but Regina’s fire department says they won’t disrupt its service.

“We were satisfied that there was a full lane open all the time that we could get in if we needed to access not only the testing site but the north end of the (International) Trade Centre,” said Neil Sundeen, Regina’s deputy fire chief. “(There will be) no ill effect on our response.

“We feel confident (in) our access to Dewdney Avenue. And Dewdney Avenue is three lanes wide coming out of our No. 4 station and so if one lane is used up for the lineup for the testing centre, we’re confident we’ll be able to get through there on the remaining two lanes.”

Sundeen said the fire department was given notice ahead of time about the site of the testing facility and was able to ensure it wouldn’t face issues responding to incidents in the area.

“There is an inconvenience for the general public no doubt — having to wait in line — and we understand that, but we just ask people to be patient and polite and if you see an emergency vehicle, just make sure you’re giving them as wide a berth as possible,” Sundeen said.

He also said fire crews are trained and able to handle high-traffic areas.

“We’re very accustomed to navigating through long lines of traffic,” Sundeen said. “This is an added wrench because it’s static; it’s not moving.”

But that doesn’t mean the long lines aren’t causing any problems.

“Anytime you have a congregation of any amount of traffic, the chances of accidents and people being angry and frustrated by having to wait in line is there,” he said.

The testing centre opened on Sept. 8. Its hours of operation are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.