Effective immediately, Niagara Health is limiting its COVID-19 test to those more at risk. Additionally, it is moving to appointment-only starting today.
This will reduce the number of tests it administers each day to allow for more efficient service to patients.
Assessment centres will only accept people if they are:
- Showing COVID-19 symptoms
- Have been notified of their exposure to a confirmed case from public health or the COVID alert app
- Work/reside in a setting where there has been an outbreak
- Eligible for testing as part of a testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Long-Term Care or Ministry of Health
- Not showing symptoms, but are at greater risk due to a health condition or employment (available on a limited basis)
Those that are not showing symptoms will be able to book into a pharmacy for COVID-19 testing starting tomorrow. Two pharmacies, one in St. Catharines and one in Niagara Falls, will start testing tomorrow by appointment only: Click here to locate your nearest COVID-19 test capable pharmacy.
Niagara Health assessment centres have been received a surge of people seeking testing. Last week, each test centre averaged approximately 710 tests per day and surpassed the total number of tests taking during August on Wednesday of last week.
“We are doing everything we can to test as many people as possible each day and appreciate the community’s understanding as this surge has resulted in longer than normal wait times,” said Derek McNally, Executive Vice President Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive in a media release.
You can book an appointment, by calling 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19). Staff will return calls as soon as possible to schedule an appointment date and time.
More info:
Location & hours of assessment centres in the Niagara Region
Original release
