Test centres for COVID-19 are starting to open up in the region.
As of Monday, one is being run out of Niagara Falls with a second location opening shortly in St. Catharines.
The centres are not able to accept walk-ins, but are available by referral from Public Health.
“The Assessment Centre is an important aspect of our response to COVID-19. The centres will ensure potential cases are seen promptly and help reduce impact on the Emergency Department,” said Derek McNally, Executive Vice President, Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Executive for Niagara Health.
“The Niagara Falls centre is adjacent to the hospital which helps protect our most vulnerable patients in the Emergency Department by reducing the potential for exposure to those with symptoms of COVID-19.”
Community members who believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact Public Health by calling 905-688-8248 ext. 7019 or toll free at 1-888-505-6074. On the call, patients will be screened for both travel history and symptoms. Based on the initial assessment, patients may be:
• directed to self –monitor;
• directed to self-isolate at home;
• referred to the Assessment Centre (staff will contact referred patients to arrange an appointment) or;
• recommended to go to the nearest Emergency Department.
The Allied Health building is located at 5673 North Street in Niagara Falls.
The centre is unable to accept walk-ins. Anyone requiring emergency care should call 911 or visit the nearest Niagara Health Emergency Department.
The second COVID-19 Assessment Centre is expected to open in St. Catharines next week. Further details will be shared as soon as they are available.
