A 62-year-old West Island man said he's anxiously waiting for a call from public health for an appointment to be tested for coronavirus - even though he says he has possible symptoms and he's called the special hotline three times in the past three days.
"I have two children standing at the top of the stairs making sure I don't leave the basement," said Simon, who said that's what it's been like for him and his family for the past couple of days.
Simon, who did not want to be identified to protect his family, said he got back from Ireland earlier this month and was in contact with a passenger who tested positive.
He started getting mild symptoms last week and has been holed up at home.
Simon said he's called the special government hotlines three times since Friday and three times, nurses have told him he needs to be tested and that he'd get a phone call within 24 hours to set up an appointment to be screened. But he was still waiting three days later.
"I don't know what to do. Frustrated for myself. I'm stressed. I'm frustrated for my children and my wife. Where is a simple test? I should have been swabbed two days ago," said Simon, who reached out to yourstory@CJAD.com.
The first four screening centers opened in downtown Montreal, Quebec City, the South Shore and Gatineau.
Quebec's Health Minister said 14 more are now up and running.
Quebecers are being told to no longer call 811 but instead to call the new hotline: 1 877 644 4545.
CJAD 800 is waiting for comment from the health ministry.
"I understand they're swamped. And I'm willing to stay home. But where is the test that is supposed to be available to us?"