Following Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s promise last week that anyone who wants a COVID-19 test can get one, Newmarket’s hospital announced yesterday that you can go directly to its assessment centre to be screened and tested.
The once-strict testing protocol has been eased and asymptomatic individuals concerned they have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case now qualify for testing. In addition, anyone experiencing at least one symptom of COVID-19, or essential workers who may be at risk of exposure through a workplace such as grocery stores, food processing plants, and health-care settings will warrant a swab.
The Ontario Health Ministry’s self-assessment tool, updated May 27, will help individuals determine the next steps if they are worried they have been exposed to the novel coronavirus or if they have symptoms.
COVID-19 symptoms can include fever, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat or difficulty swallowing, new smell or taste disorders, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, runny nose, or nasal congestion.
This marks a change in COVID-19 testing protocol that required an individual to be referred to a testing centre by a public health unit or another health professional such as Telehealth Ontario or a family doctor.
Southlake advises that individuals who turn up at the COVID-19 centre will be assessed upon arrival and instructed to wait in a physically distanced line outside the tent while waiting for the test.
While waiting for results, instructions will be provided on self-isolating at home for 14 days.
Southlake Regional Health Centre’s COVID-19 assessment centre has been relocated from the emergency department to medical field tents located near the east entrance of the 596 Davis Dr. facility.
Testing has peaked dramatically at the region's three hospital assessment centres Monday, May 25. With daily averages of about 140 tests during the week throughout May, Southlake test numbers jumped to 258 on Monday. The only other days where testing numbers surpassed 171, were on April 29 and 30, when 229 and 259 tests were completed.
The assessment centre is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information on Southlake’s COVID-19 assessment centre, visit here.
