Advertisement 1

Chatham-Kent seeing surge in people seeking COVID-19 test

Article content

A surge in positive COVID-19 cases in Chatham-Kent is translating into another surge — people wanting to be tested for the virus.

Advertisement 2
Story continues below
Article content

Nearly 500 people sought a test for the virus at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance COVID-19 Assessment Centre on Emma Street in Chatham on Aug. 4, said Suni Caen, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance vice-president of clinical operations.

On the heels of more than 200 people showing up to assessment centre on Aug. 3 for testing, the Health Alliance and Chatham-Kent EMS expanded on their existing partnership to provide mobile clinics across the municipality to create an outdoor clinic at the assessment centre in Chatham on Aug. 5.

Article content

Suni said seeing the need in person on Tuesday “was an opportunity to activate that partnership in Chatham proper . . . to meet the growing need that we expect to occur ongoing for the next few days.”

Advertisement 3
Story continues below
Article content

He said typically the assessment centre for the month of July has seen, on average, almost 100 people daily.

“I would say the surge over the last week has been increasing every day, quite significantly,” Suni said.

“As always, we’re happy to be a partner and help adjust our operations to assist our healthcare system partners,” said Donald MacLellan, Chatham-Kent EMS general manager.

He said after some quick conversations, some resources were offered up to assist resulting in this modified version of a mobile clinic being held on Wednesday.

“We have the luxury of being mobile so we try to find various opportunities to leverage our mobility and bring healthcare solutions to the community,” MacLellan said.

Over the past several years, he said EMS has provided the flu vaccine to home-bound residents, at workplaces and other areas where assistance is needed to improve the uptake of the vaccine.

Advertisement 4
Story continues below
Article content

“This is really no different,” MacLellan said. “We’ve kind of taken that platform and foundation and just adjusted it to the COVID-19 testing ability.”

As for handling the increased volume in testing, Suni said, “We’re well provisioned to continue the high volume of testing in the region.”

He said the assessment centre has been active for several months now and the Ministry of Health and the region has been very effective in procuring needed supplies.

“I think testing capacity, overall, has grown dramatically and it is continually being increased,” Suni said.

He added testing capacity has clearly been a priority with the Ministry of Health.

“We’re not seeing any dramatic delays in turnaround,” he added.

The outdoor testing area is located under a roof structure at the west side of the COVID-19 assessment centre. Online appointments can be booked at www.assessmentbooking.ca.

Advertisement 5
Story continues below
Article content

“It is strongly encouraged to book an appointment but in order to accommodate individuals without an appointment, walk-ins are available,” stated a Health Alliance media release. “Due to increases in volume, waiting times will vary. We are asking for the community to be patient as we meet this demand.”

Reminders for patients attending the COVID-19 Assessment Centre:

  • When attending the assessment centre, bring your health card with you in order to help the health care team properly identify you.
  • As we accommodate significant increases in volume and work to meet our community need, please be aware that waiting times may vary when you attend the Assessment Centre for your swab.
  • Bring a list of medications and any other information regarding allergies and past medical issues.
  • Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the last patient will be seen atA 4:20 p.m.
  • If you arrive after 4:20 p.m., do not to the Emergency Department. Return home to self-isolate and come back to the assessment centre in the morning.
Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Latest National Stories
    News Near Tillsonburg
      This Week in Flyers