Increased COVID-19 testing now available

The Ministry of Health has given Assessment Centres the green light to increase COVID-19 testing to anyone who wishes to be tested. To help enable increased access to routine symptomatic testing, people will no longer need a referral to go to any of the 130+ Assessment Centres across Ontario. 

This new, expanded testing plan will provide valuable information about the spread of the virus in different communities across the province and help to better protect vulnerable populations and all Ontarians.

In South Georgian Bay, the Assessment Centre is located in the parking lot at 186 Erie Street, the Medical Centre directly behind the Hospital, hosted by the Georgian Bay Family Health Team (GBFHT). The Assessment Centre is a drive through tent, but appointments must be booked in advance. Please visit www.gbfht.ca/cac to access the waitlist or call (705) 444-5885 to book a time to be seen. At present, the Assessment Centre is open from Monday to Friday, for 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

“We are prioritizing symptomatic and identified high priority groups, but have the capacity to see all-comers within a short timeline. Making an appointment ensures a patient-centered experience where you will be seen at a scheduled time, rather than waiting in long line ups. Appointments also ensure we can adjust the schedule to meet the demand,” says Marie LaRose, Executive Director GBFHT.

As noted by ontario.ca, as Ontario exits the epidemic peak and gradually reopens the province, the focus is shifting to enhance the testing approach for Ontarians. Testing has been a critical part of understanding and following the transmission patterns of the virus.

There are many things the general public can do to protect themselves from COVID-19 on a daily basis, including washing their hands often and thoroughly, maintaining physical distancing, and wearing a mask in public when ever
physical distancing is a challenge. Together, these actions are helping to keep individuals and families safe and healthy.