In an effort to further alleviate visits to urgent care centres, a second novel coronavirus (COVID-19) assessment centre will be opening in London.
London health officials announced on Wednesday that the new centre will open at the Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre at 656 Elizabeth Street starting on Thursday at 11 a.m. The assessment centre will be operated by health professionals from the London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
This will be the second centre for COVID-19 testing to open in the city -- the first opened on Monday at the Oakridge Arena at 825 Valetta Street. The health unit said since opening, the first centre has seen oven 800 patients.
"Assessment Centres are intended to educate and provide further guidance as well as to triage individuals and determine the next steps in their care," the health unit said in a news release.
The health unit stressed that most people who attend the assessment centres will not require or receive a COVID-19 test. All tests "will be based on clinical criteria," the health unit said. There will be no medication or treatment at either assessment site.
Both centres will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
The Ontario Ministry of Health also recommends using its online self-assessment tool by clicking here. As well, to receive a telephone assessment, residents can contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.
