Lambton Public Health says about 200 people used the drive-through COVID-19 testing facilities in Sarnia and Petrolia last Saturday.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade told Sue Storr on CHOK (1070AM/103.9FM) Tuesday morning, that the drive-through option was made available after Ontario's premier declared that anyone can get a test even if they don't have symptoms.
"We asked them to prepare for whatever might come their way and they were really good about it, but obviously the more people that come it does create sort of a backlog in terms of the roads, parking and all that kind of stuff, if that's the method that people are using," said Ranade. "In general, you're not supposed to need an appointment, but we can't guarantee how long you would need to wait if you just showed up. So, in order to make the process a bit more efficient, I think both sites might prefer if people called in."
As of Tuesday night, Lambton Public Health has received the results from 7,091 tests, 96 per cent of which have been negative.
In Sarnia, the drive-through assessment centre at 153 Christina Street will operate with access off Front Street Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
In Petrolia, residents are asked to call ahead before visiting the centre at 4130 Glenview Rd.