Health Sciences North moves to increase testing for COVID-19

Health Sciences North says it is increasing testing for COVID-19 following Premier Doug Ford's calls to do so on Wednesday.

At a news conference, Ford called thenumbers of tests"unacceptably" low.

"We need to start testing everybody possible," Ford said, especially front-line health workers including those working in hospitals and long-term care homes, as well as first responders, police and paramedics.

Ford also said all seniors at long-term care homes should be tested, as well as all vulnerable people across the province.

Health MinisterChristine Elliott said Tuesday that Ontariocurrently has the capacity to run as many as 13,000 tests daily, but the province's 100 dedicated testing centres have not been submitting that many swabs each day.

Ford saidissues with lab capacity, and supplies of reagent key for testing have been dealt with.

In a news release, Health Sciences Northsays it plans to test hundreds of more people in the coming weeks.

To make that easier,HSNsays it will be introducing an additional drive-throughtesting option at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at56 Walford Road,beginningFriday, April 10th.

You must still get an appointment for a testfor the drive through option and walk-ins are prohibited.

The site is designed to protect health workers and patients alike from being exposed to the virus.

• If you haveANYof the following symptoms,call the Assessment Center at 705-671-7373:
  
• Feveror chills
• New onset or worsening fatigue
• New onset or worsening cough
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Nauseau or diarrhea

If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history.