To meet increased demand, drive-through testing is being made available at the COVID-19 assessment centres in Sarnia and Petrolia.
Starting Saturday, May 30 the centres will be moving from a clinic model to drive-through to allow higher volumes of testing and prevent close contact with symptomatic individuals.
“Our hope is that the drive-through model will accommodate more people in a safe manner,” said Laurie Zimmer, VP Operations, Bluewater Health. “With the recent announcement that anyone can be swabbed, this will help to avoid crowding and accidental close contact of symptomatic people.”
The Rural Lambton Assessment Centre in Petrolia began piloting the model on Tuesday, while the Sarnia Twin Bridges Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic begins on Saturday.
The drive-through assessment centre at 153 Christina Street will operate at the Front Street entrance of the clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday's. No appointment is required and COVID swabs will be performed with people remaining in their vehicles.
People are asked to approach the driveway from the south end of Front Street with only right turns being allowed into the drive-through centre.
Ontario health cards are required but those without one will not be denied testing.
Valerie Winberg, Executive Director of Twin Bridges NP-Led Clinic, said they're hoping the drive-through option will help meet increased demand after Premier Ford said anyone can get tested even if they don't have symptoms.
“We are hoping that the drive-through option will allow the self-referral and those who are not currently sick easier access to testing,” said Winberg in a news release. “Our team is working hard to adjust to the changes announced while ensuring safe and timely access to care.”
The Petrolia centre at 4130 Glenview Road is asking people who wish to be swabbed to call in advance of showing up at the drive-through to allow for pre-registration. Appointments can be made Monday-Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The assessment centre is also open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call (519) 882-2500 to make an appointment. '
For more information visit the Lambton Public Health website.