On the advice of the Ministry of Health, Riverside Health Care’s COVID-19 Assessment Centres will begin following the updated testing guidelines to prioritize those who are at the greatest risk and shift away from testing individuals with no COVID-19 symptoms.
Effective immediately, Ontarians should only be seeking testing at our Assessment Centres if they are:
- Showing COVID-19 symptoms;
- Have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by your public health unit or exposure notification through the COVID Alert app;
- A resident or worker in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified and informed by your local public health unit; and
- Eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care.
Riverside staff working in long-term care and other congregate care facilities will continue asymptomatic testing as usual. It is now optional for all other Riverside staff, but is open to reassessment as the situation changes.
Members of the public may still get tested for COVID-19 if they are not showing symptoms, if they are part of a vulnerable population. Vulnerable populations include residents or workers in an at-risk setting such as a long-term care home, homeless shelter or other congregate setting.
Those who plan to visit loved ones in long-term care also fall under this directive, according to Kathryn Pierroz, communications coordinator for Riverside. Indoor visitors must be able to attest to staff that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks, with no subsequent positive tests. Outdoor visits aren’t required to provide proof of a negative test.
“As we have seen throughout this pandemic, situations can change rapidly and we all need to be able to adapt,” said Henry Gauthier, President & CEO, Riverside Health Care. “We encourage people with symptoms to contact our assessment centre for testing and for the public to stay informed about the recommendations from the Ontario Ministry of Health.”
Additionally, our hospital Emergency Department’s will not perform COVID-19 swabs for patients unless they require admission for respiratory or other illnesses indicating the need for COVID-19 testing. As such, the community is asked not to attend the Emergency Department as a testing alternative to the Assessment Centre.
The Riverside COVID-19 Assessment Centres hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm seven days a week, and appointments can be booked by calling 807-274-3261 Ext. 4913. With the upcoming winter season approaching, plans are underway to transition the current COVID-19 Assessment Centre to a more seasonally appropriate location. More information will be shared well in advance when plans are finalized.
We remind the public to practice proper hand hygiene, wear a cloth mask when out in public, practice physical distancing and if you are ill or feeling sick please stay home.
