Drop-in COVID-19 testing facility to open in Calgary

Alberta Health Services is opening a new walk-in, drop-in testing location in Calgary on Wednesday inside the Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre.

The clinic,at 1820 Richmond Road S.W., will be open daily from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The new centre is in addition to the six appointment-based testing locations already operating in the city. The free-of-charge testing can be booked ahead online or by calling 811.

The faster, drive-thruoption is available only for people who make an appointment.

The province has allowed all Albertans to be tested for COVID-19, whether they have symptoms or not, as of May 29.

The tests are done with a throat swab. Results are given by phone within a few days of the test.

"Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is legally required to self-isolate," AHS said in a release.

"The isolation period is for 10 days from the start of symptoms, or until symptoms resolve, whichever takes longer. If you do not have symptoms but do test positive, you must still self-isolate for 10 days from the day of your test."