Lambton Public Health is preparing for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 testing following an announcement by Ontario's premier Sunday.
Doug Ford said that anyone who feels they were exposed to the virus can be tested, even if they don't have symptoms.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade told Sue Storr on CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) Monday that they'll be actively planning over the next few days to meet increased demand.
"You know it might come to starting up more assessment centres, or other things, to help meet the expectations of demands," said Ranade. "There's going to be lots of reasons now why people start seeking a test, and many of them relate to people's own fear about the disease."
He cautioned though, that getting a negative test result doesn't mean you can rest easy.
"If you have a negative test and you have no symptoms, it's really challenging for us to decide what to tell you, because it doesn't mean you have a free licence to do whatever you want, you still could have been exposed."
Dr. Ranade said a lot of people might feel they need a test but his biggest concern is ensuring that people who need a diagnosis because they have a symptom can get a test.
As of Sunday night, Lambton Public Health had received the results of 5,759 COVID-19 tests with four per cent coming back positive.
There are two assessment centres currently, one in Sarnia and one in Petrolia.
-With files from Sue Storr
