WRH Extends COVID-19 Assessment Centre Hours
26-5-2020
Windsor Regional Hospital is expanding the number of hours that our COVID-19 Assessment Centre is open to accommodate high volumes of individuals seeking a swab test for COVID-19.
The Assessment Centre at Ouellette Campus next to the Emergency Department has seen record-breaking volumes, with 237 visitors on May 26th. The previous day's total was 163, which itself was a peak in terms of daily volume since the 103 people seen on March 18. The number of visitors to the centre had averaged about 65 visitors per day prior to this week.
The higher volumes come after the Premier advised Sunday that the opportunity to be tested for the virus is now available to ALL, emphasizing that "you will not be turned away, even if you or your family don't have symptoms. If you feel you need a test, you will be able to get a test."
WRH welcomes the attendance at the assessment centre and based on current volumes will, as of Wednesday, May 26, 2020, extend the weekday hours of operation to 9 am to 9 pm (from 9 am to 4 pm). Weekend hours (Saturday and Sunday) will remain unchanged for the time being from 9 am to 4 pm.
The COVID-19 Assessment Centre has been open since March 16 and has swabbed 4,362 people out of 5,010 individuals - a testing rate of more than 87 per cent. After initially being based on a specific set of guidelines, the criteria for testing has expanded over the past few weeks and since April 1st, the vast majority of those who arrived for an assessment have received a swab test.
Today, additional tents were put in place so that those waiting in line were not waiting under direct sunlight, while water continues to be offered to those in line amid this week's humid weather.
As has always been in the case in Windsor, you do NOT need a referral from Telehealth Ontario, primary care, or the Health Unit in order to be tested. Parking is free.
The COVID-19 Assessment Centre is staffed with two (2) physicians and nursing staff daily. Patients should also know that the COVID-19 Assessment Centre is a safe environment for testing and care.
When you attend the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the Ouellette campus of WRH you will:
- Get swabbed to determine if you are positive for COVID-19;
- Get free parking;
- Get "in an out" quickly, safely and efficiently;
- By getting tested you can protect yourself, your family and your community.
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