Hundreds line up for a shot at receiving a free rapid test in London, Ont. Thursday

The lineup to take home one of 1,000 free government-issued rapid antigen tests in London, Ont. was hundreds deep and wrapped around one of the city's largest shopping malls Thursday morning with the tests snapped up in under 15 minutes.

The provincial government announced Wednesday that it was distributing rapid antigen tests starting at 9 a.m. prompting people to arrive at Masonville Place before the sun had come up. 

Those at the front of the line had walkers or lawn chairs. Some people were wrapped in blankets.  

The government is advising anyone going to get a test kit to wear a face mask and dress for the weather. Anyone who has been in close contact with a positive case or has COVID-19 symptoms is being asked to stay away.

The Ford government distributed a first round of rapid tests through LCBO locations in December but those were quickly snapped up. 

The lineup started at door number 6 at Masonville Place. It stretched past Sports Check, past the Rec Room facilities, past the drug store and Cineplex theatres. Even after the doors had opened, people continued to arrive. They were all gone by 9:15 a.m.

Each test kit has five individual tests inside. The province says it will give out more kits on Friday and Saturday, starting at 9 a.m.